Outcomes of the Latarjet Procedure in Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability Due to Tramadol-Induced Seizure

Background: This study was aimed to evaluate the final results of surgical treatment (Latarjet procedure) in the recurrent anterior shoulder instability following episodes of tramadol-induced seizure.   Methods: From January 2005 to March 2013, 47 patients with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation after suffering a seizure episode following tramadol use underwent surgical procedure. There were 53 shoulders in 47 male patients (six had bilateral recurrent dislocations). The mean age of the patients at the time of operation was 24.7 years (ranging from 20 to 44 years). The average number of episodes of anterior shoulder dislocation before surgery was 16.   Results: External rotation with the elbow at the side improved from 45.8 ± 9.3° (30°-60°) pre-operatively to 61.5 ± 7.8° (45°-90°) post-operatively (P < 0.001). Forward elevation also increased significantly post-operatively (P = 0.002). Mean pre-operative Rowe score was 28.41 ± 4.30 (30-85) which increased to 73.57 ± 8.40 post-operatively. The Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) score decreased from 1352 ± 74 to 618 ± 46 (P < 0.0001).   Conclusion: Correcting glenoid bone loss by Latarjet procedure combined, if necessary, with humeral head defect reconstruction could be a proper treatment method in patients experiencing recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation after idiosyncratic seizure reaction of tramadol.