Background: Latarjet procedure and Bankart repair are common techniques used for surgical treatment of anterior shoulder dislocation. The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare the possible changes in internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) of shoulder isokinetic strength after Bankart and Latarjet procedures. 

 

Methods: We included 14 patients submitted to shoulder surgery (9 Bankart and 5 Latarjet). Data about gender, age, elapsed time from surgery, sports and professional activity was collected. Rowe score was obtained. The isokinetic parameters evaluated were peak torque to body weight (PTBW), average peak torque (APT), agonist to antagonist ratio (AGON/ANTG) and range of motion (ROM). 

 

Results: The APT in ER of the shoulders submitted to Bankart and the PTBW of the shoulders submitted to Latarjet were significantly lower than the values in the uninvolved shoulder. The fatigue test at 240º/s in IR showed a significantly lower APT in the shoulders submitted to Latarjet comparing with the uninvolved shoulder. The AGON/ANTG was 85.2 at 240º/s in the Latarjet group. 

 

Conclusion: This study showed a deficit in ER for both surgeries, particularly in APT in the Bankart group. Muscle fatigue in IR is an important factor to consider in patients submitted to the Latarjet procedure. Activities where an APT is important might benefit from the use of the Latarjet procedure, whereas activities where the peak toque is more relevant might benefit from the Bankart repair. 

 

Level of evidence: Level III; Retrospective comparative study; Treatment Study. 

 

Keywords: Bankart repair; Latarjet procedure; isokinetic test; shoulder instability; subscapularis; rotator cuff.