Latarjet Procedure

Overview

Repeated shoulder dislocations can wear away bone from the front of the shoulder socket (glenoid). When enough bone is lost, a soft-tissue labral repair alone is more likely to fail.

The Latarjet procedure transfers a piece of bone from the coracoid process, a small hook of bone at the front of the shoulder blade, along with its attached tendons, to the front of the socket, where it is fixed with screws. This restores the width of the socket and adds a "sling" effect from the transferred tendons that helps keep the shoulder in place.

The Latarjet is used for significant glenoid bone loss, after a failed arthroscopic stabilization, and in some high-risk contact athletes.

Benefits

• Low rates of repeat dislocation in appropriate patients
• Restores lost bone at the front of the socket
• An option after failed soft-tissue repair

Who is a Candidate?

Latarjet Procedure may be appropriate for patients who meet certain criteria. Ideal candidates include:

• Recurrent shoulder dislocations with significant glenoid bone loss
• Failed prior arthroscopic Bankart repair
• Selected high-risk contact and collision athletes

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Patients wear a sling for several weeks, followed by staged physical therapy. Return to non-contact activities is usually around three to four months, and to contact sports around four to six months once strength and motion return and the bone block has healed.