The Latarjet procedure is ideal for those with complex shoulder dislocations with bone loss, failed shoulder stabilisations, and/or high level athletes (particularly collision or overhead contact). The surgery is more involved than a keyhole labral repair; however, post-operative pain and rehabilitation is much the same. Strengthening and training for your sport commences at 3 months and full, unrestricted contact is possible at 6 months after surgery.
What is the Latarjet procedure?
A Latarjet procedure involves transferring a piece of bone (coracoid) to the front of your glenoid (socket) to address shoulder instability (dislocations out the front). There are three reasons why this operation works so well:
- Sling effect (from the conjoint tendon)
- Capsule/labral repair
- Coracoid bone block at the front of the shoulder
Who is the Latarjet procedure suitable for?
This operation works well in the following conditions:
- Excessive glenoid (socket) bone loss – either a large acute bony bankart (glenoid fracture) or chronic bony bankart with gradual glenoid erosion
- Large Hill-Sachs lesion (Humeral head bone loss)
- High-level athletes (e.g. rugby, touch rugby, AFL, and other contact sports)
- Overhead contact type sportspersons
- Revision shoulder stabilisation (failed keyhole procedure)
What are the risks of a Latarjet procedure?
Surgery is a carefully choreographed process and you are being treated by a sub-specialist shoulder surgeon and a highly experienced team; however, all surgeries inherently carry some risk of complications.
The risk of complications after Latarjet surgery are less than 1% in the Sydney Shoulder Unit experience. General risks include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Wound healing problems
- Damage to blood vessels or nerves
- Sensory changes around the surgical scar
