Bristow versus Latarjet in high-demand athletes with anterior shoulder instability: a prospective randomized comparison
Paulo Santoro Belangero, Paulo Henrique Schmidt Lara, Eduardo Antônio de Figueiredo, Carlos Vicente Andreoli, Alberto de Castro Pochini, Benno Ejnisman, Ricardo Luiz Smith
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Traumatic anterior shoulder instability is a common disease, especially in young athletes. The Latarjet and Bristow techniques are nonanatomical surgeries that involve the transfer of the coracoid process to the anterior border of the glenoid and are indicated in cases at a high risk for recurrence and in the presence of associated bone lesions. Studies have evaluated the recurrence and complications associated with these techniques, but they have important differences, and should not be considered synonymous. The objective of this study was to prospectively compare the Bristow and Latarjet techniques in high-demand athletes. Hypothesis: Bristow and Latarjet techniques lead to similar results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven athletes (41 shoulders; three athletes underwent bilateral surgery) with anterior recurrent dislocation of the shoulder that was surgically treated using the Bristow or Latarjet technique were prospectively analyzed. The follow-up time was 5 years. The mean age was 26.4 years (range: 16-46 years). In 17 cases (41.5%), the dominant side was not affected. RESULTS: = .04). When we compared the Bristow and Latarjet techniques regarding the ASES, ASORS, and WOSI scores, we found no statistically significant difference. In the comparison regarding whether the athletes returned to sports, we found no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: The Bristow and Latarjet techniques lead to good results in athletes with no new dislocation episodes and are suitable for treating patients with anterior recurrent dislocation of the shoulder. The Latarjet technique showed better results in some of the variables studied.