Latarjet Technique Research Articles

Anterior dislocation of the shoulder in skeletally immature patients

The ideal treatment for traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder in the skeletally immature patient is controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes after either conservative and/or surgical treatment using the Latarjet technique. A retrospective series of 49 out of 80 patients were reviewed. We found no significant differences between either treatment method regarding functional scores and pain levels. Although not statistically significant, post-surgical patients showed better signs of shoulder stability than others who have a higher rate of recurrence. Further, 92% of the post-surgical group had returned to the same level of activity versus 52% in the non-surgically treated group. We found no contraindications to operate on a skeletally immature patient.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:354–9.

Biomechanical Comparison of Open and Arthroscopic Latarjet Procedures

To biomechanically compare the effectiveness of the standard open and arthroscopic techniques of the Latarjet procedure to address a critical anterior glenoid defect in combination with a capsular insufficiency. Translation testing of 12 human cadaveric shoulder specimens was performed in a robot-assisted setup under 3 different conditions: (1) intact/vented shoulder joint, (2) combined anterior glenoid bone and capsular defect, and (3) open and arthroscopic Latarjet procedures. Testing was performed for each condition in 2 test positions: 60° of glenohumeral abduction with neutral rotation (ABD position) and 60° of abduction and external rotation (ABER position). Each position was tested with a passive humerus load of 30 N in the anterior, inferior, and anteroinferior directions. Translational movement of the humeral head was evaluated with and without the application of a 10-N load to the conjoint tendon (CJT). In the ABD position, translations after the open Latarjet procedure significantly differed from the arthroscopic technique in the anterior and anteroinferior directions when testing was performed with loading of the CJTs (CJT loading). Without CJT loading, the open Latarjet technique showed significantly lower translations in the anterior, inferior (P= .004), and anteroinferior (P= .001) testing directions in the ABD position. In the ABER position, the arthroscopic procedure showed no significant difference compared with the standard open procedure. We found a superior stabilization effect of the open Latarjet technique in the ABD position. The difference is ascribed to the anterior capsular repair, which was performed within the open technique and omitted during the arthroscopic procedure. The reduction of translation in a pure abduction position of the arm is more effectively performed with a conventional open Latarjet technique that includes a capsular repair. In combined ABER position, there was no difference found between the open and arthroscopic Latarjet techniques.

Classic Versus Congruent Coracoid Positioning During the Latarjet Procedure: An In Vitro Biomechanical Comparison

The purpose of this biomechanical study was to compare the classic Latarjet technique and congruent-arc modification with respect to glenohumeral stability, joint stiffness, translation, and range of motion. Eight cadaveric forequarters were tested on a shoulder simulator that applied loads independently to the conjoint tendon, long head of biceps, rotator cuff, and deltoid. The test conditions included: intact, 30% glenoid defect, and reconstruction of the defect with the classic and congruent Latarjets. The Latarjet techniques were randomly ordered, with the outcome variables being anterior dislocation, glenohumeral translation, rotational range of motion, and joint stiffness. All 8 specimens dislocated after creation of a 30% glenoid defect. The classic Latarjet stabilized 7 of 8 specimens, whereas the congruent-arc modification stabilized all specimens (8/8). In abduction neutral rotation, there was no difference in joint translation between techniques (P= .613). In abduction external rotation, there was significantly greater anterior humeral head translation after the congruent technique than after the classic (9.9 and 6.5 mm, respectively, P= .013). Rotational range of motion was significantly reduced after classic (-25.8°) and congruent (-22.2°) transfers as compared with the 30% defect (P ≤ .041). Joint stiffness in the abducted, externally rotated position was significantly reduced in the 30% defect as compared with intact (P= .012), congruent (P= .015), and classic (P < .001) conditions. In all abduction positions, the intact was not significantly different from the Latarjet techniques, and the techniques did not significantly differ from each other (P ≥ .102). The classic and congruent-arc Latarjet techniques restore shoulder stability and motion in cases of considerable bone loss. The techniques do not substantially differ in rotational range of motion or joint stiffness. The congruent-arc technique, however, does result in significantly greater anterior humeral head translation, as compared with the classic technique, before reaching a stable non-dislocated endpoint. On the basis of this biomechanical model, both the classic and congruent-arc Latarjet techniques can be used to stabilize a shoulder with substantial glenoid bone loss. Further clinical and biomechanical studies are required to determine if particular clinical circumstances exist where 1 technique has an advantage over the other.

A biomechanical assessment of superior shoulder translation after reconstruction of anterior glenoid bone defects: The Latarjet procedure versus allograft reconstruction

Background:The coracoacromial ligament (CAL) is an important restraint to superior shoulder translation. The effect of CAL release on superior stability following the Latarjet is unknown; therefore, our purpose was to compare the effect of two Latarjet techniques and allograft reconstruction on superior instability.Materials and Methods:Eight cadaveric specimens were tested on a simulator. Superior translation was monitored following an axial force in various glenohumeral rotations (neutral, internal, and external) with and without muscle loading. Three intact CAL states were tested (intact specimen, 30% glenoid bone defect, and allograft reconstruction) and two CAL deficient states (classic Latarjet (classicLAT) and congruent-arc Latarjet (congruentLAT)).Results:In neutral without muscle loading, a significant increase in superior translation occurred with the classicLAT as compared to 30% defect (P = 0.046) and allograft conditions (P = 0.041). With muscle loading, the classicLAT (P = 0.005, 0.002) and the congruentLAT (P = 0.018, 0.021) had significantly greater superior translation compared to intact and allograft, respectively. In internal rotation, only loaded tests produced significant results; specifically, classicLAT increased translation compared to all intact CAL states (P < 0.05). In external rotation, only unloaded tests produced significant results with classicLAT and congruentLAT allowing greater translations than intact (P ≤ 0.028). For all simulations, the allograft was not significantly different than intact (P > 0.05) and no differences (P = 1.0) were found between classicLAT and congruentLAT.Discussion:In most simulations, CAL release with the Latarjet lead to increased superior humeral translation.Conclusion:The choice of technique for glenoid bone loss reconstruction has implications on the magnitude of superior humeral translation. This previously unknown effect requires further study to determine its clinical and kinematic outcomes.

Do the Traditional and Modified Latarjet Techniques Produce Equivalent Reconstruction Stability and Strength?

Background: The Latarjet procedure has been described as a reconstructive option for instability associated with substantial glenoid bone defects. A modification, termed the Congruent-Arc, is thought to improve glenoid reconstruction through better articular congruency and greater bone reconstitution. The strengths of these techniques, however, have not been reported. Purpose/Hypothesis: To compare the fixation stability, strength, glenoid vault load transfer, and joint contact between the Classic and Congruent-Arc techniques. The authors hypothesized that the Classic Latarjet would exhibit inferior joint contact characteristics while having greater stability and strength and more normal glenoid vault strain. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Sixteen shoulder specimens (8 pairs) were tested by loading the glenohumeral joint with the glenoid intact, following creation of a 25% anterior bone defect, and after random assignment to the Classic or Congruent-Arc Latarjet techniques. Specimens were mounted to a testing apparatus that allowed concentric, centralized loading and loading 30° anterior on the glenoid rim. Cyclic loading (100 cycles at 1 Hz) was applied with a staircase protocol (50, 100, 150, and 200 N). Graft interface displacement and glenoid load transfer, quantified in terms of strain, were recorded during loading. Contact was quantified during 50-N loading using a thin pressure sensor. After cyclic loading, specimens were loaded to failure, defined as 5 mm of graft interface displacement. Results: The 30° loading ≥100 N resulted in significantly greater graft displacement (P < .004) in the Congruent-Arc group as compared with the Classic (mean displacement range, 0.9-2.6 vs 0.1-0.5 mm, respectively). Failure testing yielded a significantly (P = .010) greater ultimate strength for the Classic (557 N) as compared with the Congruent-Arc (392 N). Load-transfer measurements demonstrated that neither technique’s glenoid vault strain values significantly differed from intact (P ≥ .076). Both techniques resulted in contact areas significantly less than intact (P < .035); however, the Congruent-Arc trended toward better contact characteristics (P = .074). Conclusion: The Congruent-Arc results in significantly poorer fixation stability as compared with the Classic technique but did more closely reproduce intact joint contact, which may yield more favorable long-term outcomes. Clinical Relevance: Care must be taken in balancing the consideration of initial fixation stability and joint contact for the Congruent-Arc and Classic Latarjet, as these factors have opposing implications for each of the 2 reconstructions’ outcomes.

Biomechanical investigation of the stabilization principle of the Latarjet procedure

The purpose of the study was to determine the biomechanical status of the different components of the Latarjet procedure. The anterior capsule reconstruction with the transferred coracoacromial ligament (CAL) and the necessity of an intact subscapularis tendon were of particular interest. We hypothesized that the anterior capsule reconstruction will have a significant effect and that the Latarjet procedure will lose its stabilizing effect if the subscapularis tendon is torn. Stability testing of 12 human shoulder specimens was performed. After testing of the intact joint, a combined anterior glenoid and capsule defect was set arthroscopically. Then the Latarjet procedure was performed using an open approach and tested with and without loading of the conjoint tendons (10N). Afterwards, the specimens were distributed into two groups and the Latarjet technique was reduced stepwise: dissection of the CAL, dissection of the conjoint tendons (group A); reduction of the coracoid segment, dissection of the subscapularis tendon (group B). Biomechanical testing was performed for each condition in two positions: 60° of glenohumeral abduction with neutral rotation and with 60° of external rotation; each with a passive humerus load of 30N in the anterior, inferior and anteroinferior direction. The Latarjet technique with load applied to the conjoint tendons significantly reduced translation compared with the defect condition for all tested positions in all directions. In group A, the CAL-dissection led to a significant increase of anterior translation (+5.0mm, p=0.003) and inferior translation (+7.3mm, p=0.025) in neutral rotation and of anterior translation in 60° of external rotation (+4.4mm, p=0.034). In group B, the reduction of the coracoid bone down to the coracoid tip resulted in a significant increase of only the anterior translation in abduction and 60° of external rotation (+4.5mm, p=0.05). In contrast, the detachment of the subscapularis tendon led to a significant increase of translation in all testing positions except the inferior direction in the neutral rotation. We found the anterior capsule reconstruction to represent a significant contribution to the stabilizing effect of the Latarjet procedure, whereas a deficiency of the subscapularis tendon eliminates its effect. We recommend to perform the Latarjet technique with an anterior capsule reconstruction (e.g. CAL transfer) and with a transfer of the coracoid bone block rather than a transposition of the coracoid tip. Furthermore, we were able to show that an intact subscapularis tendon is a necessary prerequisite for a reliable stabilization.

Relationship between strength and functional indexes (Rowe and Walch-Duplay scores) after shoulder surgical stabilization by the Latarjet technique

IntroductionThe rotator cuff muscles help stabilize the glenohumeral joint. Postoperative recovery of rotator cuff muscle strength appears to be an important factor for optimal joint stabilization and the resumption of professional and/or sports activities. ObjectiveTo study the relationship between internal rotator (IR) and external rotator (ER) muscle strength, shoulder function and the resumption of sports activities (as typically evaluated with functional scores) following surgical stabilization with the Bristow-Latarjet procedure in cases of chronic shoulder instability. Patients and methodsTwenty patients with anterior, post-traumatic, chronic shoulder instability were included prospectively in a cohort study. The Rowe and Walch-Duplay functional scores were rated for the operated shoulder and the isokinetic IR and ER peak torque values were evaluated with a Con-Trex® dynamometer before surgery and then 3, 6 and 21months afterwards. The isokinetic evaluation was performed (at 180°/s, 120°/s and 60°/s) in the seated position, with the arms in 45° of abduction and 30° of antepulsion in the plane of the scapula. ResultsThere were no significant postoperative correlations between shoulder function (as judged by the Rowe and Walch-Duplay scores) and IR or ER muscle strength. ConclusionThis study did not provide evidence for a correlation between IR and ER muscle strength and functional scores after surgical stabilization of the shoulder. However, it is necessary to objectively measure the rotator cuff strength recovery to adequate the strengthening of rotator muscle prior to the resumption of sports activities. Isokinetic strength assessment may thus be a valuable decision support tool for the resumption of sports activities and would complement the functional scores studied here.

Échec précoce d’une butée antérieure d’épaule dans le traitement d’une instabilité multidirectionnelle

We report the case of a 47-year-old female patient who developed predominantly anterior multidirectional glenohumeral instability. After rehabilitation, this patient was treated surgically with an anterior coracoid bone block using the Latarjet technique. The second postoperative day, the control scan revealed posterior glenohumeral dislocation. The patient underwent a second operation for a posterior iliac block. At last clinical follow-up (six years), the patient had normal shoulder motion; shoulder function was considered excellent using the clinical scores. We recall the pathogenic hypotheses explaining multidirectional shoulder instability and discuss the proposed treatments. This case illustrates the difficult diagnosis and therapeutic management of multidirectional instability. Under general anesthesia, examination showed that posterior laxity predominated while paradoxically, the patient presented predominantly anteromedial dislocations. This case is also exceptional by the development of posterior dislocation, an unusual postoperative complication after an anterior bone block; we describe the therapeutic options. In the event of multidirectional instability with bone injuries, we recommend a block in the direction of the instability. Preoperative examination under general anesthesia can be helpful in understanding the mechanism of residual postoperative instability, which would require complementary surgical stabilization.

Évolution de la force isocinétique des rotateurs d'épaule avant et à trois mois d'une stabilisation de l'épaule par technique chirurgicale de Latarjet

Objective To compare prospectively isokinetic shoulder strength before and 3 months after shoulder stabilization by the Latarjet procedure indicated for the treatment of recurrent dislocation. Method Twenty-five subjects, 23 ± 6 years old, with anterior unidirectional recurrent shoulder dislocation, underwent isokinetic concentric (con) and eccentric (ecc) measurement of lateral rotators (LR) and medial rotators (MR) of both shoulders at the angular speed of 60 and 120 degrés par seconde. Evaluation was carried out in the scapular plane with the patient in a sitting position one month before and 3 months after shoulder stabilization by the Latarjet technique. We calculated the concentric ratio LR/MR and mixed ratios LR(ecc)/MR(con) and LR(con)/MR(ecc). Results Before surgery, the rotator peak torque for the operated shoulder side was similar to that of the healthy shoulder side. The concentric ratio for the healthy shoulder side was higher because the lateral rotators were slightly weaker on the recurrent-dislocated shoulder side. Three months after shoulder stabilization by the Latarjet technique, for the operated shoulder side, the isokinetic concentric torque of rotators was similar to that before surgery. For the operated shoulder side, only the eccentric torque of medial rotators was significantly lower after surgery than before surgery and lower than that for the healthy shoulder side (9 to 15%). Ratios did not differ before and after surgery. Conclusion Three months after surgery with Latarjet technique for recurrent dislocated shoulder, operated shoulders showed a slight strength deficit as compared with healthy shoulders. The concentric deficit after surgery was not significantly different from that before surgery. This result could be explained by strengthening exercises performed during the shoulder rehabilitation program. However, the eccentric strength deficit of medial rotators of the operated shoulder is certainly associated with the opening and stitching of the sub-scapular muscle necessary for the shoulder stabilization.

Transhumeral Head Plasty for Large Hill-Sachs Lesions

Large, engaging Hill-Sachs lesions can cause recurrent glenohumeral instability following Bankart repair of torn anterior capsulolabral structures. We offer a novel technique for correcting the posterolateral humeral head defect without significantly altering normal anatomic structures. The glenohumeral joint is exposed via a deltopectoral approach. After the defect geometry is appreciated by direct palpation and visualization, the tip of an anterior cruciate ligament tibial guide is centered in the defect. The drill sleeve is approximated to the anterior lesser tuberosity starting hole, and a graduated guidewire is advanced to the posterior subchondral surface. After confirmation of satisfactory positioning, an 8-mm cannulated acorn drill is drilled to within 1 cm of the posterior surface. Bone tamps are used to elevate the depressed area using the tunnel created within the head. Allograft cancellous bone chips are impacted into the defect to elevate and support the subchondral surface. After successful impaction grafting and restoration of the head surface, anterior capsulolabral reconstruction is undertaken using either the Bankart or Latarjet technique. A standard Bankart rehabilitation program is followed postoperatively. We confirmed the clinical efficacy of our technique in 4 patients who experienced no instability or other complications at an average of 1-year follow-up.