A shoulder that repeatedly dislocates can gradually lose some of the bone at the front edge of the shoulder socket. When there is significant bone loss, simply repairing the torn soft tissues may not provide enough stability.

The Latarjet procedure is a shoulder-stabilizing operation in which a small piece of bone from another part of the shoulder blade is moved to the front of the shoulder socket. This helps restore the missing bone and provides additional stability to the shoulder.

It is particularly useful in patients with recurrent shoulder dislocation and significant bone loss.

When is the Latarjet procedure needed?

The Latarjet procedure may be recommended when the shoulder remains unstable because there is significant loss of bone from the front of the shoulder socket.

It may be considered when:

• The shoulder has dislocated repeatedly

• There is significant loss of bone from the shoulder socket

• Previous shoulder-stabilizing surgery has failed

• The patient participates in contact or high-risk sports

• The shape of the shoulder makes a simple soft-tissue repair less likely to succeed

Not every patient with a dislocating shoulder needs a Latarjet procedure. The decision depends on the amount of bone loss, the condition of the shoulder and the patient's activities.

What is the Latarjet procedure?

The Latarjet procedure adds bone to the front of the shoulder socket to make the socket more stable.

A small piece of bone from the front part of the shoulder blade is carefully removed along with the attached strong tissue. It is then moved to the front edge of the shoulder socket and fixed securely with screws.

This creates a stronger front edge of the socket and helps prevent the ball of the shoulder from slipping out.

The procedure therefore provides stability in more than one way: it restores some of the lost bone and also provides additional support from the attached tissue.

What happens during the operation?

The operation is performed through a cut at the front of the shoulder.

A small piece of bone is taken from the front part of the shoulder blade and moved to the area where bone has been lost from the shoulder socket.

It is fixed securely with screws and allowed to heal in its new position.

The surgeon checks the movement and stability of the shoulder before completing the operation.

In selected patients, the procedure may be performed together with other treatments, depending on the type of damage present.

What are the benefits?

When appropriately selected, the Latarjet procedure can:

• Improve shoulder stability

• Reduce the chance of repeated dislocation

• Restore bone lost from the shoulder socket

• Allow patients to return to demanding activities and sports

• Provide reliable stability in shoulders with significant bone loss

It is particularly useful when a simple repair of the torn soft tissues would not provide enough stability.

What is recovery like?

The shoulder is usually protected in a sling during the early healing period.

Gentle movement is then introduced gradually, followed by exercises to restore movement and strength.

Recovery generally includes:

• Protecting the shoulder while the bone heals

• Controlling pain and swelling

• Gradually restoring shoulder movement

• Strengthening the shoulder

• Improving shoulder control

• Gradually returning to normal activities

• Later returning to sports

Regular physiotherapy and following the recommended exercise programme are important during recovery.

When can I return to sports?

Return to sports takes several months because the moved piece of bone needs to heal securely.

Running and other lower-risk activities are introduced before demanding sports. Contact sports, heavy lifting and activities with a high risk of falling are introduced later.

Many appropriately selected patients can return to sports after successful healing and rehabilitation.

What are the risks?

The Latarjet procedure is a well-established operation, but complications can occur.

Possible problems include:

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Shoulder stiffness

• Continued pain

• Numbness or irritation of nearby nerves

• The moved piece of bone not healing properly

• The screws causing irritation or other problems

• Continued or recurrent instability

• Wear or damage to the shoulder joint over time

• The need for further surgery

Following your surgeon's advice and keeping up with physiotherapy can help support recovery and protect the shoulder while it heals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Latarjet better than Bankart repair?

Neither operation is universally better. Bankart repair is generally suitable when the main problem is a tear of the soft tissue around the socket and there is little or no significant bone loss. Latarjet is often preferred when there is significant bone loss or when a soft-tissue repair alone is unlikely to provide sufficient stability.

Is the Latarjet procedure a major operation?

Yes. It is a more substantial operation than a simple keyhole soft-tissue repair because a piece of bone is moved and fixed to the shoulder socket. However, it is a well-established procedure that can provide excellent stability in appropriately selected patients.

Can I return to sports after Latarjet?

Many patients can return to sports after the bone has healed and the shoulder has regained adequate movement, strength and stability. The return should be gradual, particularly for contact and high-risk sports.

Can the shoulder dislocate again after Latarjet?

The Latarjet procedure provides strong and reliable stability, particularly in shoulders with significant bone loss. Most appropriately selected patients achieve lasting shoulder stability and are able to return to their desired activities after surgery. Although recurrent dislocation is uncommon, it can occur in a small number of patients.