Citation

Murphy M, Stockden M, Withers K, Breidahl W, Charlesworth J. J. Sport Rehab. 2019; 28(3): 283-287.

Affiliation

SportsMed Subiaco, St John of God Health Care, Subiaco, WA, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

10.1123/jsr.2017-0194

PMID

29140162

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Anterior shoulder dislocations are a common injury in many sports resulting in extended time lost from play with an extremely high recurrence rate in young athletes playing high risk sport. Latarjet shoulder reconstruction is a common surgical procedure used to prevent subsequent dislocation with an expected rehabilitation timeframe of between four to six months before return to play. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 21-year-old male Australian football player experienced two left sided shoulder dislocations before undergoing a left Latarjet shoulder reconstruction. He was assessed clinically and with magnetic resonance imaging which revealed significant tearing of the anterior labrum. We theorized maximal glenohumeral stability occurs after bony healing of the coracoid onto the glenoid at six weeks. The patient then underwent an eight-week structured and graduated rehabilitation program aimed at preventing loss of shoulder range of motion, muscle and functional capacity and returned to play at eight weeks post injury with no complications or recurrence at twelve month follow-up.

DISCUSSION: This is the first time an eight-week rehabilitation following Latarjet shoulder reconstruction has been reported. In athletes with anterior glenohumeral dislocation who require accelerated return to play, a Latarjet reconstruction with an eight-week rehabilitation protocol can be considered.

Language: en

Keywords

Anterior Dislocation; Latarjet; Return to Play; Shoulder