For young athletes who struggle with repeated shoulder dislocations, picking the right surgery early on can make a big difference down the road. A new long-term study from Dr. Okoroha’s colleagues compared two common procedures to find out which one holds up better over time in teens. While both surgeries aim to stabilize the shoulder, one clearly outperformed the other in keeping athletes active and pain-free. Understanding these findings is key for families making important treatment decisions.
Study Highlights
Patient Demographics:
The study looked at 77 teen patients between the ages of 13 and 18, all of whom had a history of shoulder instability. The two groups were split between arthroscopic Bankart repairs and open Latarjet procedures.
Follow-ups:
Patients were followed for an average of 12 years after surgery to track long-term success, recovery, and repeat injuries.
Positive Outcomes:
Only 6% of patients who had the Latarjet procedure experienced another shoulder dislocation, compared to 57% in the Bankart group. Both groups saw improvement in shoulder strength and function, but the Latarjet patients had far fewer complications or repeat surgeries.
Conclusion
This study shows that teen athletes are much more likely to avoid future shoulder problems when treated with the Latarjet procedure. While Bankart repair may help some, it carries a much higher chance of failure, especially in younger patients. For adolescents with recurring shoulder instability, the Latarjet approach offers the best chance at long-term success and a return to sports with confidence.
At Mayo Clinic, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we are committed to providing personalized care and innovative treatments to help athletes reach their full potential. To learn more about shoulder instability, arthritis of the shoulder, shoulder labral tears, and shoulder labral repair, schedule a consultation with Dr. Okoroha today. Seeing patients from Minneapolis, St. Paul, Plymouth, Edina, Minnetonka, Rochester, and Minnesota ensures that athletes receive specialized care aimed at maximizing their athletic performance and long-term shoulder health.
To learn more about arthritis of the shoulder and shoulder instability visit:
https://www.kelechiokorohamd.com/latarjet-procedure-orthopedic-shoulder-surgeon-sports-medicine-minneapolis-st-paul-rochester-mn.html
