LATARJET PROCEDURE
Bone Loss Matters.
Stability Matters.
The Latarjet procedure is a powerful stabilization operation used for recurrent shoulder dislocations, glenoid bone loss, failed prior instability surgery, and high-risk athletes.
Glenoid Deficiency
Failed Prior Surgery
Contact Sports
Durable Reconstruction
What Is The Latarjet Procedure?
The Latarjet procedure transfers a portion of the coracoid bone and its attached tendon to the front of the shoulder socket. This reconstruction increases the size of the socket and creates an additional stabilizing sling effect that helps prevent recurrent dislocation.
It is one of the most reliable operations available for complex shoulder instability.
Who May Need A Latarjet?
- Recurrent shoulder dislocations
- Significant glenoid bone loss
- Failed Bankart repair
- Collision athletes
- High-risk instability patterns
- Large Hill-Sachs lesions
Common Symptoms
- Repeated dislocations
- Fear of instability
- Pain with sports
- Loss of confidence using the arm
- Instability during overhead activity
- Failed prior stabilization surgery
Why Bone Loss Is Important
Many patients with recurrent shoulder instability lose bone from the front of the socket over time. When enough bone is lost, a soft tissue repair alone may not provide reliable long-term stability.
The Latarjet procedure addresses this problem by restoring missing bone and improving shoulder stability through multiple mechanisms.
Bone Restoration
Increases the size of the shoulder socket.
Sling Effect
Tendon transfer provides additional dynamic stability.
Capsular Repair
Additional soft tissue stabilization is performed.
Latarjet Versus Bankart Repair
Bankart Repair
- Soft tissue repair
- Labrum and capsule restored
- Appropriate for many instability patients
- No bone transfer
Latarjet
- Bone-block stabilization
- Addresses bone loss
- Useful after failed Bankart repair
- Preferred for selected high-risk athletes
Recovery After Latarjet
Recovery focuses on allowing the transferred bone to heal while gradually restoring shoulder motion and strength.
Protection
Early sling use protects the reconstruction.
Healing
The transferred bone must heal securely to the glenoid.
Strength
Progressive strengthening follows restoration of motion.
Return To Sport
Return depends on healing, strength, control, and sport demands.
Expected Outcomes
For appropriately selected patients, the Latarjet procedure provides excellent long-term stability and high rates of return to sport and activity.
Improved Stability
Significantly reduces recurrent dislocation risk.
Return To Sports
Commonly used for athletes participating in collision sports.
Durable Reconstruction
Excellent long-term outcomes in properly selected patients.