Is Return To Play At 6 Months After Latarjet Safe? A Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) Shoulder Group Cohort Study
Authors: Frantz Travis L. , Everhart Joshua Scott , Neviaser Andrew , Jones Grant L. , Hettrich Carolyn M. , Wolf Brian R. , Group MOON Shoulder , Bishop Julie 
Published: July 2019

Objectives:

The Latarjet procedure is the becoming increasingly popular for the treatment of young athletes with recurrent instability. Earlier return to play protocols have been trialed with the thought that one is primarily waiting on bone healing. However, the impact of post-operative range of motion (ROM) and strength must be considered as well. Return to play has traditionally been accepted at 6 months post-operatively, but it is unknown what percentage of athletes achieve full strength and range of motion at that point. The purpose of this study was to 1) To evaluate rates of return of full strength and range of motion at 6 months after Latarjet, and 2) determine whether rates of results vary by percent bone loss, subscapularis split versus tenotomy, or athlete status (contact or overhead).

Methods:

Ten participating sites throughout the United States enrolled patients in a multicenter prospective cohort study. Sixty-five athletes met inclusion criteria (mean age 24.5 SD 8.2; 59 male, 6 female) and underwent Latarjet procedure for anterior instability (19/65 (29%) primary operation, 46/65 (71%) had a prior failed anterior stabilization). All participated in either contact sports (83%) and/or overhead sports (37%). Regarding anterior glenoid bone loss, 10% had <10% bone loss, 55% had 11-20%, and 35% had 21-30%. The Latarjet procedure was performed with either subscapularis tenotomy (64%) or split (36%). Strength and range of motion were assessed pre-operatively and at 6 months after surgery. Return to play (RTP) criteria were defined as full strength as well as less than 20 degrees side-to-side ROM deficits in all planes. The independent likelihood of strength and motion RTP criteria at 6 months for percent bone loss as well as subscapularis tenotomy vs split was assessed with multivariate logistic regression modeling with adjustment as needed for age, sex, preoperative strength/motion, number of prior dislocations, and participation in contact versus overhead sports.

Results:

45% of patients failed to meet one or more return to play criteria: 9% failed for persistent weakness and 39% for ≥ 20 degree side to side loss of motion. All patients with loss of motion had ≥ 20 degree external rotation (ER) deficits either with elbow at side (88%) or at 90 degrees abduction (44%). There was no difference in achieving RTP criteria at 6 months between subscapularis split versus tenotomy either for strength (p=0.89) or range of motion (p=0.53). Contact athletes had a 53% RTP rate while overhead athletes had a 67% passage rate (p=0.17). Pre-operative weakness was not significantly predictive of post-operative weakness (p=0.13), and pre-operative external rotation was not predictive of post-operative ER deficits (p=0.16). Percent bone loss was not predictive of side-to side post-operative ROM deficits or weakness (p>0.20 all planes of motion). No other predictors for failure to meet RTP criteria at 6 months were identified.

Conclusion:

A large percentage of athletes do not have full return of strength and range of motion at 6 months following Latarjet procedure. Further consideration may be warranted prior to releasing these athletes to contact sports.