Criteria-based Return to Sport Testing after Open Latarjet Reveals Residual Deficits and Can Be Utilized for Sports Clearance with Excellent Outcomes at Mean 3.6 Year Follow-Up: A Small Case Series of Competitive Athletes.

OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study was to assess the use of a criteria-based return to sport (CBRTS) test to evaluate readiness for return to play (RTP) in competitive athletes that underwent open Latarjet.DESIGN:Retrospective case series.METHODS:Ten competitive athletes (mean age 19.9 years) treated with open Latarjet for recurrent glenohumeral instability underwent CBRTS testing at a mean of 5.3 months postoperatively. Testing consisted of four components: 1. isometric strength, 2. isokinetic strength, 3. endurance, and 4. function. Patients failing 0 or 1 component of the test were cleared to RTP. Patients failing multiple components underwent additional deficit-based rehabilitation.RESULTS:Of the 10 patients that tested, 4 passed their overall CBRTS test and were cleared to RTP. The remaining 6 patients failed the overall CBRTS test. Seven patients (70%) failed at least one section of the strength testing, two patients (20%) failed endurance testing, and two patients (20%) failed functional testing. At final follow-up (mean 3.6 years), 1 patient had recurrent instability (10%) and 9 patients returned to play (90%).CONCLUSIONS:CBRTS testing may be clinically useful for return to play clearance decisions after open Latarjet procedure, as it can reveal deficits that may not be identified with time-based clearance alone.