Abstract
Background & Purpose
The Latarjet procedure is a well-established method for surgical stabilization in the case of recurrent anterior shoulder instability. The purpose of this case report was to describe the post-operative physical therapy progression and outcome of a Division I women’s basketball player following an open Latarjet procedure.
Case Description
The subject was a 23-year-old female Division I collegiate basketball player who had experienced multiple shoulder dislocations during basketball-related activities. Initial management consisted of six weeks of physical therapy. However, the subject reported continued instability and underwent a right shoulder arthroscopic anterior labral repair (Bankart) and returned to sport eight months post-surgery. Following her return, the subject sustained multiple recurrent shoulder dislocations during practice. The subject then underwent an open Latarjet procedure. Physical therapy interventions followed a sequential and multi-phased approach based on time for tissue physiologic healing and individual progression. Subject reported outcomes including the Pennsylvania Shoulder Score (PSS), Quick DASH, the single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE) and the Optimal Screening for Prediction of Referral and Outcome Yellow Flag (OSPRO-YF) were assessed in addition to isokinetic strength and performance testing to determine return to sport readiness.
Outcomes
The subject completed 30 sessions of physical therapy over 16 weeks. Clinically meaningful improvements were observed in subject reported outcomes at return to sport, including the PSS, QuickDASH, SANE, and OSPRO-YF. Additionally, improvements in shoulder strength, endurance, power, and performance measures exceeded thresholds of clinical significance. Follow-up imaging (CT and radiographs) showed osseous mineralization with no acute abnormalities.
Conclusion
The subject of this case report returned to full sports participation following a Latarjet procedure at five months post-operative. Rehabilitation following a Latarjet procedure in a female overhead athlete presents several challenges.
Level of Evidence
Level 5