Modified Arthroscopic Latarjet Procedure: Suture-button Fixation will not Cause Obvious Increasement of Superior Instability at 5-Year Follow-up

Abstract

Background: Whether coracoacromial ligament (CAL) release during Latarjet procedure will increase superior instability of shoulder joint postoperatively remains controversial. This study aims to observe changes in the acromiaohumeral distance (AHD) of patients who underwent modified double-button Latarjet procedure and provide evidence to address the issue.Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted among 155 patients who underwent modified double-button Latarjet procedure in our department from 2013 to 2015. Preoperative CT scan of bilateral shoulders were used for glenoid defect evaluation. CT scans were performed immediately after operation (PO 0) and during the follow-up at 6, 36, and 60 months postoperatively (POM) to observe the healing and remodeling of the graft, and AHD was measured. The intact sides were set as control group. VAS and objective shoulder scores, including ASES, ROWE, and Walch-Duplay scores, were recorded at each time point.Results: A total of 104 cases who met the criteria completed follow up. The average follow-up time was 62.6 ± 2.4 months. Compared with preoperative conditions, the function scores of the shoulders were significantly improved at the last follow-up. There were no statistical differences of the AHD values between bilateral shoulders preoperatively. The AHD values at PO 0 and POM 6 were significantly higher than those of intact side (p < 0.05). The AHD values at POM 36 and 60 were slightly higher than those of intact side and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05).Conclusions: The modified double-button Latarjet procedure not only offers satisfactory therapeutic effect but also will not cause obvious superior instability at the 5-year follow-up.