Utilization of a stepwise model to assess pivotal information for patient decision-making regarding open versus arthroscopic Latarjet procedure.

Abstract

Background: The popularity of arthroscopic Latarjet has increased significantly in recent years due to its perceived advantages. The latter include a smaller surgical incision, faster recovery, quicker return to sports, and ability to treat concomitant intra-articular pathology. Nevertheless, the arthroscopic technique is more technically challenging, has a more significant learning curve, longer operating time and is less cost-effective. The study aimed to identify the various factors influencing patient decision-making between undergoing arthroscopic or open Latarjet using a stepwise questionnaire model.

Methods: All patients with a primary, whether arthroscopic or open Latarjet procedure were subjected to a stepwise interviewing process and were asked to select between arthroscopic and open approaches at each step.

Results: Fifty patients with a mean age of 28.8±8.8 years old participated in the study. Twenty (40%) consistently selected an arthroscopic approach after analysis of the incision's aspect, whereas 34 (68%) had a final decision different from their initial choice. In addition, out of the 15 patients who chose arthroscopy or were undetermined after presentation of the incisional aspect, 9 (60%) changed their decision to open surgery after presentation of the pros and cons of each approach. Twenty-three (46%) patients were unable to choose and left the choice to their surgeon. The faith in their surgeon and recovery were identified as the two most important factors influencing patients' final decisions.

Conclusions: The minimally invasive nature of arthroscopic incisions was not considered to be more cosmetically appealing than that of a single open incision. The advantages of the arthroscopic procedure may not be as valued by patients as by surgeons. Patients were more interested in the equivalent short- and mid-term outcomes of both approaches and the shorter surgical duration of the open option. It is crucial to adequately inform patients during preoperative counseling to achieve the best consensus.