Have you been dealing with repeated shoulder dislocations that make everyday movement feel uncertain? The Latarjet procedure helps treat chronic shoulder instability, especially when bone loss or prior repairs haven’t worked. At Arête Health Group, our providers restore stability so you can move with confidence and less fear of re-injury.
Prevent Repeated Anterior Shoulder Instability
The Latarjet procedure is a surgical treatment used to restore stability to a shoulder that repeatedly dislocates, most often in the forward direction. It involves transferring a small piece of bone from the shoulder blade, along with an attached tendon, to the front of the socket. This increases the socket’s surface area and creates a supportive sling, helping keep the joint securely in place during movement and reducing the risk of future dislocations.
Latarjet Procedure Treats:
- Recurrent anterior shoulder dislocations
- Chronic shoulder instability with bone loss
- Bony Bankart lesions (glenoid bone defects)
- Failed prior labral or stabilization surgeries
- Shoulder pain associated with instability
- Sensation of the shoulder “giving way”
- Instability in high-demand or contact athletes
- Repeated subluxations (partial dislocations)
How the Latarjet Procedure Works
The Latarjet procedure stabilizes your shoulder using both structural and dynamic support. A small piece of bone (the coracoid) is transferred to the front of the shoulder socket, increasing its size and making it harder for the joint to slip out. This bone is secured with screws for lasting stability. The attached tendon creates a sling effect that tightens when you lift or rotate your arm, helping keep the ball of the joint centered and preventing future dislocations.
Benefits of the Latarjet Procedure:
- Restores stability in shoulders with significant bone loss
- Reduces the risk of recurrent dislocations
- Provides both structural and dynamic joint support
- Effective after failed prior stabilization surgeries
- Allows return to high-demand and contact activities
- Long-lasting results with a strong track record
- Addresses the underlying cause, not just the symptoms
- Supports improved shoulder function and control
Latarjet Procedure FAQs
How Do I Know if I Need This Surgery?
If your shoulder keeps dislocating, especially after a prior repair, or imaging shows bone loss from the socket, you may be a candidate. At Arête Health Group, your provider will review your history, exam findings, and imaging to determine whether this surgery is right for you.
How Long Is the Recovery Process?
Recovery happens in phases. You’ll wear a sling for several weeks, begin gentle motion early, and progress through structured physical therapy over about three months. Full return to sports or heavy activity may take longer, depending on your goals and healing.
Will I Regain Full Shoulder Strength and Motion?
Most patients regain excellent stability and functional strength. While some may notice mild limitations in extreme positions, the goal is to restore confident, reliable movement so your shoulder feels secure during daily activities and higher-demand use.
When Can I Return to Sports or Exercise?
Light activity begins early, but higher-impact or contact sports are usually resumed after several months. Your timeline will be personalized based on your progress, strength, and sport-specific demands to ensure a safe return.
Is This Better Than a Standard Labral Repair?
For patients with bone loss or recurrent instability, this approach often provides more durable results than soft-tissue repair alone. It addresses both the structural deficit and adds dynamic support, which is key in preventing recurrence.
Will I Have a Visible Scar?
The incision is relatively small and placed in a discreet area near the front of the shoulder. Over time, it typically fades well, and your provider will guide you on proper care to support healing.
Schedule Your Consultation
When’s the last time you felt confident your shoulder wouldn’t give out? At Arête Health Group, we take the time to truly understand your instability and build a personalized plan that restores lasting strength and stability. Serving Paramus, Fords, and Clifton, New Jersey, our providers deliver personalized treatments for lasting stability. If shoulder instability is holding you back, schedule your consultation today to learn if the Latarjet procedure is right for you.
