Background

Recurrent shoulder instability in adolescents poses significant clinical
challenges, particularly in young athletes. Whilst the Latarjet procedure is well-
described in adults with generally favourable results, its outcomes in adolescents are
less frequently reported. This review aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes, return to
sport, and complications following the Latarjet procedure in adolescents.

Methods

A systematic review of Embase and MEDLINE databases was conducted for
studies published between January 1990 and June 2024, including adolescent patients
(aged 20 or younger) who underwent the Latarjet procedure for anterior traumatic
shoulder instability. Studies reporting on patient-reported outcomes, return to sport, and
complications were included.

Results

Six studies met inclusion criteria, comprising 391 shoulders in 385 patients of
which 293 underwent Latarjet. 186 patients (63%) were actively engaged in contact
sports. Mean age at surgery was 16.7 years (range 13 – 20), with 87% male population.
Mean follow-up was 7 years (range 2 – 26). 75% of patients returned to sports
participation at pre-injury level, with an average return time of 5.6 months (range 4.9 –
6.6). PROMs were consistently good to excellent across studies; Subjective Shoulder
Value (SSV) averaged 90% (range 84 – 95) and the mean Rowe score was 89.7 (range
80 – 95). Five studies commented on radiographic union with bone block union in 91%
patients (range 67 – 100%). Complication rate following Latarjet was 15%; the
commonest complication was pain from hardware (4.4%), followed by recurrent
dislocation (3.8%) Re-operation rate was 7.5%, primarily for hardware removal (4.4%)
and recurrent instability (2%).

Conclusion

The Latarjet procedure demonstrates favorable outcomes in active
adolescent patients, with high rates of return to sport and low recurrence rates.
However, the complication rate highlights the importance of careful patient selection and
counselling.