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What Is the Latarjet Procedure?

The Latarjet procedure is shoulder-stabilization surgery that transfers part of the coracoid process to the front of the glenoid socket. The transferred bone increases the width of the anterior glenoid and helps replace missing bone. The attached conjoint tendon also creates a dynamic sling that resists anterior movement of the humeral head. The procedure is commonly used for recurrent anterior shoulder instability with significant bone loss or a high risk of soft-tissue repair failure.

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What Is the Latarjet Procedure?

The Latarjet procedure is shoulder-stabilization surgery that transfers part of the coracoid process to the front of the glenoid socket. The transferred bone increases the width of the anterior glenoid and helps replace missing bone. The attached conjoint tendon also creates a dynamic sling that resists anterior movement of the humeral head. The procedure is commonly used for recurrent anterior shoulder instability with significant bone loss or a high risk of soft-tissue repair failure.

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Why Is the Latarjet Procedure Performed?

The procedure is considered when recurrent anterior shoulder dislocations are associated with substantial glenoid bone loss, failed prior stabilization, or other high-risk anatomy. It can also be chosen for selected contact athletes or patients with instability patterns that are less likely to respond reliably to isolated Bankart repair. Surgeons assess glenoid bone loss, Hill-Sachs lesions, activity demands, previous operations, and shoulder laxity before recommending treatment. The goal is to restore stability through both a bony buttress and soft-tissue sling effect.

How Is the Latarjet Procedure Performed?

The surgeon cuts the coracoid process while keeping the conjoint tendon attached and prepares the transferred bone as a graft. The graft is moved through or around the subscapularis and positioned along the anterior-inferior edge of the glenoid. Screws or another fixation system secure the coracoid flush with the glenoid surface while the graft unites with the native bone. The capsule can also be repaired or incorporated into the reconstruction depending on the technique.

What Is Recovery Like After the Latarjet Procedure?

The shoulder is protected in a sling during early healing while the coracoid graft begins to unite with the glenoid. Physical therapy progresses from protected motion to active movement, strengthening, and later sport-specific training. Contact sports, heavy lifting, and forceful overhead activity are delayed until graft healing, strength, motion, and stability are adequate. Recovery commonly takes several months because both bone healing and shoulder rehabilitation are required.

What Are the Risks and Complications?

Possible complications include infection, stiffness, persistent pain, recurrent instability, nerve injury, and hardware irritation. The coracoid graft can fail to unite, fracture, resorb, or heal in a position that is too medial or too lateral. Injury to the musculocutaneous or axillary nerve is uncommon but can cause weakness or sensory changes. Long-term problems can include glenohumeral arthritis, loss of external rotation, graft-related impingement, or the need for revision surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Latarjet Procedure

What bone is transferred during the Latarjet procedure?

A portion of the coracoid process from the shoulder blade is transferred to the front of the glenoid while the conjoint tendon remains attached.

Why is the Latarjet procedure used when there is glenoid bone loss?

The coracoid graft adds bone to the deficient front of the glenoid and helps create a larger, more stable socket for the humeral head.

Is the Latarjet procedure the same as Bankart repair?

No. Bankart repair primarily restores torn labral and capsular tissue, while Latarjet adds a coracoid bone block and tendon sling to stabilize the shoulder.

Can the shoulder dislocate again after Latarjet surgery?

Yes. Recurrence is possible, although the procedure is designed for strong stabilization in high-risk shoulders. Graft problems, new trauma, or technical factors can contribute to failure.

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