Long-term Outcomes After the Open Latarjet Procedure for the Surgical Management of Humeral Avulsion of the Glenohumeral Ligament Lesions

Abstract

Background: Recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability caused by a humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) lesion has been studied, but very limited long-term evidence is available. Purpose: To retrospectively review patients with a HAGL lesion who underwent an open Latarjet procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 16 patients with complete clinical and radiological data were available for a review. Clinical outcomes were assessed by range of motion, apprehension testing, the visual analog scale for pain, the Walch-Duplay score, the Rowe score, the Constant-Murley score, the Subjective Shoulder Value, and return to sports. Radiographs were reviewed for osteoarthritis and complications. Results: The median age of patients at the time of surgery was 28 years (range, 18-42 years). All patients were male with no hyperlaxity. The median follow-up time was 10 years (range, 2.8-15 years). Postoperative range of motion showed recovered forward elevation (median, 175°), external rotation (median, 62°), and internal rotation (median, 9 points). Overall, 87% returned to sports, with 68% to the same level and 93% satisfied or very satisfied. Median clinical outcomes were the following: visual analog scale score, 1 (range, 0-2); Walch-Duplay score, 86 (range, 75-100); Rowe score, 95 (range, 90-100); Constant-Murley score, 77 (range, 74-79); and Subjective Shoulder Value, 88% (range, 80%-95%). There were no recurrent dislocations or subluxations. One patient described mild long-term pain, and 1 patient had persistent stiffness. Other complications included 12% with subjective apprehension, 1 patient with a wound infection, and another patient with delayed bone graft union. Additionally, 56% of cases had mild postoperative arthritis at the final follow-up. There were no reoperations. Conclusion: The open Latarjet procedure provided good outcomes with acceptable complication rates in the long term for patients with HAGL lesions. It is an effective treatment option and a safe alternative to arthroscopic or open HAGL repair.