Stabilization of the Shoulder Joint Using a Latarjet-like Procedure.

Background Chronic recurrent shoulder dislocation presents a significant challenge in orthopedic surgery, with potential long-term consequences for patients' functionality and quality of life. Arthroscopic stabilization using a bone block harvested from the iliac crest, without screw fixation, is a relatively new technique designed to reduce the risk of recurrence by improving the anatomical integrity of the shoulder joint.

Indications for shoulder stabilization surgery with a bone graft, also known as the bone block procedure, are based on classical criteria considering both anatomical and functional aspects of shoulder instability. These criteria include recurrent anterior shoulder dislocations that do not respond to conservative treatment such as physical therapy, significant glenoid bone loss, Hill-Sachs lesions, or failed previous stabilization surgery, such as a Bankart repair, where patients continue to experience instability or recurrent dislocations. Bone block stabilization may also be indicated in patients with particularly high demands for shoulder function and stability, such as those engaged in activities or occupations with a high risk of shoulder dislocation.

The bone block procedure addresses these issues by transferring a segment of bone from the iliac crest to the glenoid defect, thereby increasing the articular surface area. Simultaneously, the anterior joint capsule is tightened and reinforced, and the infraspinatus tendon is secured into the Hill-Sachs defect (remplissage) to enhance shoulder stability. This procedure is typically performed when more conservative methods have failed to provide adequate stability or when the anatomical conditions of the shoulder suggest that other techniques are unlikely to yield satisfactory results.

This study aims to evaluate the long-term outcomes of this surgical method.

Objective The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder stabilization with a bone block for chronic recurrent shoulder dislocations. The focus will be on complications, reoperations, and functional outcomes assessed using the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI).

Methods and Study Design This study will be a retrospective cohort study including patients who have undergone arthroscopic shoulder stabilization using the bone block technique.

Recruitment and Informed Consent Eligible patients will be identified through searches in electronic medical records. Patients will first receive an information letter about the study, followed by a phone call 1-2 weeks later, providing an opportunity to ask questions. If the patient consents to participate, a digital consent form will be sent. Once the patient has signed the consent form digitally, a follow-up phone interview will be scheduled to complete a structured questionnaire assessing functional outcomes and quality of life.

Data Collection Data will be collected through structured telephone interviews focusing on postoperative complications, reoperations, and functional outcomes. Additionally, medical records will be reviewed to obtain relevant operative details and preoperative data. Data collection will be conducted by independent observers.

Statistical Analysis Descriptive statistics will summarize patient characteristics, complications, and functional scores.

Paired t-tests or Wilcoxon rank-sum tests will compare pre- and postoperative WOSI and EQ-5D-5L scores.

Chi-square or Fisher's exact test will be used to analyze categorical data such as complication or reoperation rates.

Correlation and regression analyses will examine predictors of functional outcomes.

Statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05.

Ethical Considerations The study will be conducted in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki and will require approval from the Regional Ethics Committee (REK) and the local institutional review board (PVO). All participants will provide informed consent, and patient data will be anonymized to ensure confidentiality.

Study Timeline The study is expected to commence in Fall 2024 and will run for approximately two years, with data collection and analysis planned from 2024 to 2026. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant orthopedic conferences.