Dr Christopher Kilian, Orthopedic Elbow & Shoulder Surgeon, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Brookfield, Pewaukee, Mukwonago, WI / Patient Info / Shoulder / Latarjet Procedure

Latarjet Procedure

What is the Latarjet Procedure?

The shoulder joint provides a wide range of movement to the upper extremity, but overuse or trauma can cause instability to the joint. The Latarjet procedure is a surgical procedure performed to treat shoulder instability by relocating a piece of bone with an attached tendon to the shoulder joint.

Shoulder Anatomy

The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint with the head of the humerus (long arm bone) forming the ball, and a cup shaped depression on the shoulder blade (glenoid fossa) forming the socket.

Disease Overview

The joint is stabilized by the labrum, a cartilaginous rim of the glenoid cavity, and the capsule, a series of ligaments that enclose the joint. Injury and trauma can tear or stretch the labrum and/or ligaments, causing instability and dislocation of the joint. The shoulder can dislocate in front (anterior), down (inferior) or behind (posterior), but anterior dislocation is the most common.

Tearing of the labrum due to trauma is called a Bankart tear, which sometimes involves the breaking of bone along with the labrum. This is referred to as a bony Bankart tear. Shoulder instability can lead to pain and a feeling of giving way.

Indications of the Latarjet Procedure

The Latarjet procedure is indicated for anterior shoulder instability that is recurrent and caused by a bony Bankart lesion. The surgery is considered when a surgical repair of the labrum does not correct the damage of the shoulder joint.

Latarjet Procedure

The Latarjet procedure is performed under general anesthesia with the patient in a semi-reclined or beach-chair position.

  • An incision of 5 cm is made from your shoulder blade towards the armpit.
  • Retractors are used to separate the muscles of the shoulder and chest, and expose the coracoid process (a small hook-like process of the shoulder bone) and its attached tendons.
  • The coracoid process is freed of its attachments and along with the conjoined tendon is transected from its base.
  • Holes are drilled into the transected coracoid process.
  • The subscapularis muscle, which passes in front of the shoulder joint is split in line with its fibers.
  • The capsule of the shoulder joint is entered and the glenoid is exposed and prepared to receive the coracoid.
  • The transected coracoid with the conjoined tendon is passed through the separated subscapularis muscle and fixed to the glenoid rim with screws through the previously drilled holes. This increases the glenoid surface and stabilizes the joint. The conjoined tendon and subscapularis muscle provide additional stability by acting as a sling.
  • Upon completion, the instruments are withdrawn, the incision is closed and covered with a sterile bandage.

Post-procedure Care for Latarjet Procedure

Following the procedure your arm is placed in a sling to rest the shoulder and promote healing. You may remain in the hospital the night of the surgery and discharged the next day. Pain is controlled with medication and ice packs. You will be instructed to keep the surgical wound dry and to wear your sling while sleeping for a few weeks after the procedure. The sling may be removed in 3 to 6 weeks.

Rehabilitation usually begins early on the first post-operative day with finger movements and passive assisted range of motion exercises. A physical therapy program is recommended for 3 months after which you can return to your regular activities.

Risks and Complications of Latarjet Procedure

The Latarjet procedure usually provides good results but as with all surgical procedures, complications can occur and include:

  • Hematoma (bleeding)
  • Fracture or failure of union of the coracoid
  • Stiffness due to inadequate rehabilitation
  • Recurrence of instability and infection