Bristow-Latarjet Technique: Still a Very Successful Surgery for Anterior Glenohumeral Instability - A Forty Year One Clinic Experience.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the functional outcomes of the Bristow-Latarjet procedure in patients with recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability.


METHODS
Personal clinical records of 42 patients with 45 operated shoulders were reviewed retrospectively. Patient age at time of first dislocation, injury mechanism, and number of recurring dislocations before surgery were recorded. The overall function and stability of the shoulder was evaluated.


RESULTS
Thirty five (78%) of the scapulohumeral humeral instabilities were caused by trauma. The mean number of recurring dislocations was 9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0-18); one patient had had 17 recurrences. Mean follow-up 46 months (95% CI, 16-88). No dislocation happened postoperatively. Four patients have fibrous union (9%). Only two had clinical sign of pain and discomfort. One of them was reoperated for screw removal with very good post-operative result. The overall functional outcome was good, with a mean Rowe score of 88 points (95% CI, 78-100). Scores of 27 (64%) of the patients were excellent, 9 (22%) were good, 4 (9.5%) were fair, and 2 (4.5%) were poor.


CONCLUSIONS
The Bristow-Latarjet procedure is a very good surgical treatment for recurrent anterior-inferior instability of the glenohumeral joint. It must not be used for multidirectional instability or psychogenic habitual dislocations.
Department of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania.
Vilson
V
Ruci
Department of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania.
Artid
A
Duni
Orthopaedics, Trauma Hospital Centre, Tirana, Albania.
Alfred
A
Cake
Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Mother Teresa University Hospital, Tirana, Albania.
Dorina
D
Ruci
Orthopaedics, Trauma Hospital Centre, Tirana, Albania.
Julian
J
Ruci
Bankart lesion; Bristow; Latarjet; instability; shoulder