Is The "Sling Effect" of the Conjoint Tendon in Latarjet Procedures Real? A Systematic Review and Descriptive Synthesis of Controlled Laboratory and Comparative Clinical Studies.

Background: The Latarjet procedure is considered the gold standard for treating patients with anterior shoulder instability in the presence of critical glenoid bone loss. Proponents of the Latarjet contend that its efficacy is in-part attributable to the "sling effect" of the conjoint tendon; however, recent studies have demonstrated similar restoration of anterior stability in patients undergoing free bone block (FBB) procedures. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the biomechanical and clinical evidence for the sling effect.