Year: 2025 | Month: September | Volume: 12 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 329-335
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20250935
Comparative Outcomes of Bristow vs. Latarjet Procedures in the Treatment of Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Systematic Review
N. Indra Tri Cahyadi*, Made Bramantya Karna**, A.A Gde Yuda Asmara**, Stedi Adnyana Christian**
*Resident of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Prof Ngoerah General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
**Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Prof Ngoerah General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Corresponding Author: Indra Tri Cahyadi
ABSTRACT
Background: Anterior shoulder instability is a common condition in athletes, particularly those involved in contact sports. The Bristow and Latarjet procedures are widely used surgical options for patients with significant glenoid bone loss; however, direct comparisons between these techniques remain limited.
Objective: To compare the clinical and biomechanical outcomes of the Bristow and Latarjet procedures in the treatment of anterior shoulder instability.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Studies comparing Bristow and Latarjet procedures were included. Data on study design, population, surgical technique, follow-up, and clinical outcomes were extracted and synthesized narratively.
Results: Four studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising one randomized controlled trial, two retrospective studies, and one cadaveric biomechanical study. Latarjet demonstrated superior early bone union and joint stability, particularly in the presence of glenoid bone loss, but was also associated with higher graft resorption and increased rates of postoperative subluxation and pain. Bristow showed slower bone union but fewer complications in some cases. Functional outcomes (ASES, WOSI) improved in both groups, with no significant differences in long-term scores.
Discussion: This systematic review highlights the key differences between the Bristow and Latarjet procedures for anterior shoulder instability. The Latarjet procedure offers faster bone union and better short-term range of motion, but is associated with higher graft resorption and postoperative morbidity. Conversely, Bristow has lower complication rates but slower union, suggesting that the choice between procedures should depend on patient-specific factors, such as bone defect size and activity level. Further research is needed to refine indications and improve long-term outcomes.
Conclusion: Both Bristow and Latarjet procedures are effective for managing anterior shoulder instability. Latarjet may be preferred in cases with substantial bone loss requiring immediate stabilization, while Bristow may be suitable for patients with lower complication risk. Further randomized studies are needed to guide surgical decision-making and optimize patient outcomes.
Keywords: Latarjet Procedure, Bristow Procedure, Anterior Shoulder Instability
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