Latarjet Procedure
bone transfer procedure that stabilises the shoulder against recurrent dislocation — particularly when significant bone loss in the socket makes soft-tissue repair alone insufficient
What is Latarjet Procedure?
The Latarjet Procedure treats recurrent shoulder dislocations when there is significant glenoid bone loss or when a previous soft-tissue stabilisation has failed. When bone loss is substantial, labral repair alone cannot prevent further dislocations. The procedure transfers a small bone segment from the coracoid process (part of the shoulder blade) to the front of the glenoid socket. This creates a bone block that prevents the humeral head from slipping out, while the attached tendons provide dynamic stabilisation. It is particularly effective for athletes in contact or overhead sports.
How the Procedure Works
Pre-operative CT / MRI Planning
CT quantifies glenoid bone loss and confirms that bone transfer is required; MRI assesses soft-tissue structures; anaesthesia is administered on the day of surgery.
Surgical Access
A small incision at the front of the shoulder exposes the coracoid process and the front of the glenoid socket.
Coracoid Graft Preparation
— A precisely sized segment of the coracoid process is detached while preserving the attached conjoined tendon, which will provide dynamic stabilisation after transfer.
Glenoid Preparation
The front edge of the glenoid is debrided and shaped to create a flush, stable surface for secure fixation of the bone graft.
Bone Graft Transfer & Screw Fixation
The coracoid graft is positioned at the front of the glenoid to expand the socket and create a bone barrier; it is fixed with specialised surgical screws.
Stability Check & Wound Closure
Joint stability and smooth motion are confirmed; the wound is closed and the arm placed in a sling for the initial healing period.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- → Treats instability even when significant glenoid bone loss is present
- → Bone block provides a physical barrier preventing further dislocation
- → Attached tendons add dynamic, active stabilisation to the joint
- → Highly effective for athletes and high-demand shoulder activities
- → Lower recurrence rates than soft-tissue repair alone in bone-loss cases
- → Structured physiotherapy restores full shoulder strength post-surgery
“The Latarjet procedure is one of the most reliable solutions for patients with significant shoulder bone loss or failed stabilisation. By transferring bone to the front of the socket, we restore the anatomy that dislocations have destroyed — giving athletes a stable, durable shoulder.”
— Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu, Senior Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
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