Latarjet Surgery

Latarjet surgery is a procedure aimed at treating recurrent shoulder dislocations, particularly when they are caused by a defect in the shoulder socket (glenoid). This surgery involves transferring a small piece of bone from the shoulder blade (scapula), specifically from the coracoid process, to the front of the glenoid to act as a barrier. This creates a bony block that prevents the upper arm bone (humerus) from sliding out of the shoulder socket, thereby stabilizing the joint.

The core of the Latarjet procedure involves transferring the coracoid process, which is a small bony prominence on the shoulder blade, along with the muscles and tendons attached to it, to the front of the glenoid (the shallow socket of the shoulder). By placing this bone graft in front of the glenoid, it provides a mechanical block that prevents the humeral head (the ball of the upper arm) from dislocating forward.

The added coracoid bone also strengthens the shoulder socket and improves its ability to hold the humeral head in place. This transfer helps restore shoulder stability, especially in cases where the glenoid has been damaged or eroded from repeated dislocations.

Latarjet surgery is typically performed with a minimally invasive technique, utilizing small incisions and specialized instruments to access the shoulder joint. The surgeon may use a camera to visualize the joint, guiding the instruments precisely. This minimally invasive approach results in several benefits:

• Reduced Pain: Smaller incisions cause less trauma to surrounding tissues, leading to reduced postoperative pain.
• Faster Recovery: The less invasive nature of the procedure allows for a quicker recovery and reduced hospital stay.
• Less Scarring: Small incisions result in smaller scars, making the recovery process more aesthetically favorable.

While the procedure is minimally invasive, the Latarjet technique requires precise execution and a detailed understanding of the shoulder anatomy to ensure the bone graft is placed correctly and functions optimally.

Latarjet surgery offers several key benefits for patients suffering from recurrent shoulder dislocations:

1. Restores Stability: The main goal of Latarjet surgery is to restore stability to the shoulder joint by preventing further dislocations. This procedure is highly effective in patients who have experienced multiple shoulder dislocations, especially when the bone of the shoulder socket has been damaged.
2. Prevents Future Dislocations: The coracoid transfer creates a barrier that physically prevents the humeral head from sliding out of the glenoid, offering long-term protection against future dislocations.
3. Improves Shoulder Function: By stabilizing the shoulder joint, Latarjet surgery allows patients to return to their normal activities, including sports and heavy lifting, without the fear of further dislocations or instability.
4. Effective for Complex Cases: Latarjet is particularly useful for patients with glenoid bone defects or damage that cannot be addressed with simpler procedures. It provides a durable solution for patients with more severe shoulder instability.

Recovery after Latarjet surgery typically involves a period of rest and immobilization, during which the shoulder will be placed in a sling to allow the graft to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone. Patients will need to avoid certain activities that could put strain on the shoulder joint during the initial healing phase.

Once the initial healing period is complete, a structured rehabilitation program will be implemented to restore range of motion, strength, and stability. Physical therapy plays a critical role in regaining full function of the shoulder and should be followed diligently to achieve the best possible outcome.

Recovery times can vary depending on the patient’s condition, but most individuals can expect to return to normal daily activities within a few months, with sports or heavy physical activities typically resuming after about six months.

Latarjet surgery is a highly effective and reliable option for individuals suffering from recurrent shoulder dislocations or instability, particularly in cases where the glenoid has suffered significant damage. By transferring the coracoid process to the front of the glenoid, the procedure stabilizes the shoulder joint, preventing further dislocations and improving overall function. With its minimally invasive approach, Latarjet surgery offers the benefits of less pain, faster recovery, and minimal scarring, allowing patients to return to their active lifestyles with confidence and stability. If you are struggling with shoulder instability and recurrent dislocations, Latarjet surgery may be the solution to restore shoulder function and stability.