Is there an association between radiological findings after the Latarjet procedure and clinical outcomes? A retrospective cohort study

Objectives: The Latarjet procedure is an effective treatment for recurrent anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss. However, the clinical significance of post-operative radiological changes remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between clinical outcomes and post-operative radiological findings following the open Latarjet procedure. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 150 patients with recurrent traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation treated with the open Latarjet–Patte procedure. The mean follow-up was 58.2 ± 4.9 months. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Rowe score. Radiological evaluation included anteroposterior and axillary radiographs and three-dimensional computed tomography. Results: The mean post-operative Rowe score was 93.2 ± 5.13, and 147 patients (98%) achieved satisfactory outcomes. No recurrent dislocations occurred. Graft lysis was observed in 117 patients (78%); no statistically significant association was identified between graft lysis grade and post-operative Rowe score (Spearman’s p = −0.052, 95% confidence interval −0.21–0.11, p = 0.53). Complete graft union occurred in 114 patients (76%), whereas fibrous union was observed in 36 patients (24%), with no significant difference in functional outcomes ( p = 0.309). Screw-related complications occurred in 15 patients (10%) and were not associated with inferior clinical outcomes ( p = 0.341). Mild glenohumeral osteoarthritis was identified in 3 patients (2%). Conclusion: No statistically significant association was observed between post-operative radiological abnormalities, including graft lysis, fibrous union, and screw-related complications, and clinical outcomes following the open Latarjet procedure. Most patients achieved favorable clinical outcomes at midterm follow-up despite the presence of radiological abnormalities.