title: Arthroscopic Latarjet procedure: analysis of the learning curve.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The arthroscopic Latarjet procedure is an innovative technique that aims to combine the optimal results of the original open approach with those of arthroscopic stabilization.
  
  
  METHODS
  We evaluated the learning curve and the preliminary results of the first 30 patients (29 males, 1 female; mean age 32 years, range 21-52) subjected to an arthroscopic Latarjet procedure at a mean follow-up of 13 months (range 6-22).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Operative time fell significantly from 132 to 99 min (p < 0.001, t test) in the last 15 patients compared with the first 15 without significant differences in terms of Rowe score, patient satisfaction, complications, or graft placement. There were 21 (70 %) excellent and 9 (30 %) good outcomes according to the Rowe score. All complications (10 %) correlated with age >40 years (p = 0.002, Fisher's exact test).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The arthroscopic Latarjet procedure is a standardized, hence reproducible technique whose complexity makes it suitable only for surgeons with solid experience in arthroscopy and shoulder surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care and Research, Cotignola, Ravenna, Italy. robertocastricini@tin.it
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Castricini
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: De Benedetto
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Orlando
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rocchi
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zini
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pirani
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000601:surgery*; D059032:Learning Curve; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult