The Latarjet procedure in competitive athletes younger than 20 years old with a significant glenoid bone loss

Purpose: To analyze return to sports, functional outcomes, and complications following the Latarjet procedure in competitive athletes younger than 20 years old with a significant glenoid bone loss.

Methods: Between 2010 and 2017, 60 competitive athletes younger than 20 years old with a significant glenoid bone loss were operated with the Latarjet procedure. Return to sports, range of motion, and the Rowe and the Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System score were used to assess functional outcomes. Complications and bone consolidation were also evaluated.

Results: The mean follow-up was 58 months and the mean age was 16.3 years. Overall, 93% were able to return to sports and 84% returned at the same level. The Rowe and Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System scores showed statistical improvement after operation (P < .001). The total complication rate was 22% and the revision rate was 1.6%. The recurrence rate was 3.3%. The bone block healed in 93% of the cases.

Conclusions: In competitive athletes younger than 20 years old with a significant glenoid bone loss, the Latarjet procedure resulted in excellent functional outcomes, with most of the patients returning to sports and at the same level they had before injury with a low rate of recurrences. However, this procedure is associated with a significant rate of complications and should preferably be performed by experienced surgeons.