Functional Outcome of Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Dislocation after Latarjet Procedure at AaBET and Dream Hospitals

Abstract

Abstract Background: -The recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation is worldwide orthopedic condition that mainly affects the young and active patients after the first traumatic dislocation. It has a considerable morbidity associated with pain, dislocation, instability and dysfunction. In Ethiopia, many patients cannot access early arthroscopic soft tissue repair due to scarcity of specialists and delayed surgery scheduling. So that the Latarjet procedure became a suitable procedure that addresses both bony and soft tissue deficits. Although mechanical stability after Latarjet is well documented internationally there is still a limited data exists in our regional context regarding how patients functionally recover following this procedure. Objectives: -To evaluate the functional outcome of patients with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation treated with the Latarjet procedure at AaBET Hospital and Dream Hospital Methods: The study was conducted at AaBET hospital and Dream hospital from October 1 to December 31 2025 in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. It was a multicenter retrospective study. All the patients underwent the Latarjet procedure to these two hospitals from September 2020 to July 2025 were included. The data was collected using primary and secondary functional scores. After the data collection statistical analysis was done using SPSS. Paired t-tests were comparing pre operative and post-operative scores. Correlation and regression analysis was assessing relationships between pre-operative variables and outcome. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Nearly half of participants (48%) achieved excellent Rowe scores, while 47% had good outcomes and 5% fair outcomes. Corresponding WOSI scores demonstrated that the majority of patients with good Rowe outcomes had excellent patient-reported function (75.9%). The mechanism of first dislocation (p = 0.006) and postoperative rehabilitation (p = 0.019) were significant predictors. The total WOSI score showed a strong negative correlation with Rowe scores (r = −0.625, p < 0.001). Stability, motion, and function domains of the Rowe score demonstrated high mean values (44.6/50, 16.9/20, and 25.7/30, respectively), and 85% of patients had good to excellent shoulder function postoperatively. Conclusion: The Latarjet procedure provides reliable restoration of shoulder stability and function in patients with recurrent anterior instability. Clinician-assessed Rowe scores strongly correlate with patient-reported WOSI outcomes, supporting their combined use in evaluating surgical success. Keywords: Recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation, functional outcome, Latarjet procedure