Are the dominant-nondominant functional differences at 4.5 months after open Latarjet procedure better predictors for successful return to sport at 1 year postoperatively than the operated-nonoperated differences?

The findings challenge the ability of criteria expressing operated shoulder functions with reference to those of the contralateral one in predicting a successful RTS. They suggest that when assessed 4.5 months postoperatively, the balance of function between dominant and nondominant shoulders in reference to those of healthy athletes would be better predictors of returning to preinjury sport at the preinjury level. This study highlights that clinicians and sport supervisors may place particular care on the recovery of dominant-nondominant balance in maximal internal rotation strength and in upper extremities strength endurance to enhance the likelihood of returning to sport successfully for their athletes who underwent anterior shoulder stabilization surgery by an open Latarjet procedure.