Bristow versus Latarjet in high-demand athletes with anterior shoulder instability: a prospective randomized comparison

Traumatic anterior shoulder instability is a common disease, especially in young athletes. The Latarjet and Bristow techniques are nonanatomical surgeries that involve the transfer of the coracoid process to the anterior border of the glenoid and are indicated in cases at a high risk for recurrence and in the presence of associated bone lesions. Studies have evaluated the recurrence and complications associated with these techniques, but they have important differences, and should not be considered synonymous. The objective of this study was to prospectively compare the Bristow and Latarjet techniques in high-demand athletes. Hypothesis: Bristow and Latarjet techniques lead to similar results. Thirty-seven athletes (41 shoulders; three athletes underwent bilateral surgery) with anterior recurrent dislocation of the shoulder that was surgically treated using the Bristow or Latarjet technique were prospectively analyzed. The follow-up time was 5 years. The mean age was 26.4 years (range: 16-46 years). In 17 cases (41.5%), the dominant side was not affected. Elevation and external rotation (passive and active) decreased in the early postoperative period and achieved values in the final follow-up similar to those found in the preoperative period. The mean postoperative scores at 5 years were as follows: ASES, 79.1 (range: 66-95); ASORS, 77.8 (range: 60-100); WOSI, 52.6 (range: 18-77); and VAS, 1.88 (range: 0-6). All of the results presented statistical significance. There was a complication rate of 9.75% in the follow-up period. There were no new dislocations after the surgery. Most (75%) of the athletes returned to the sport after the surgery, and there was no correlation between poor results and any of the variables studied. There was a statistically significant difference in passive external rotation in favor of the Latarjet technique four weeks after surgery (P = .01). We also found a statistically significant difference in passive elevation in favor of the Latarjet technique eight weeks after the surgery (P = .04). When we compared the Bristow and Latarjet techniques regarding the ASES, ASORS, and WOSI scores, we found no statistically significant difference. In the comparison regarding whether the athletes returned to sports, we found no statistically significant difference. The Bristow and Latarjet techniques lead to good results in athletes with no new dislocation episodes and are suitable for treating patients with anterior recurrent dislocation of th