Sydney Shoulder Specialists

Latarjet Operation for Shoulder Reconstruction

Latarjet Procedure - Overview & Image Gallery

The Latarjet operation was first described by a French surgeon Dr Michel Latarjet and has been used very successfully to reconstruct shoulders with recurrent anterior instability. The modern version of the original technique prevents further episodes of dislocation in 98-99% of patients and has a very low complication rate.

The operation is ideally suited for contact athletes, patients with increased shoulder laxity, failed previous shoulder reconstructions or if there is significant bone damage.


Diagrams demonstrating Latarjet procedure

Coracoid bone fixed through a split in subscapularis muscle

Figure 1: Coracoid bone fixed through a split in subscapularis muscle

Coracoid fixed to the front of glenoid (socket) with two screws

Figure 2: Coracoid fixed to the front of glenoid (socket) with two screws.


Mechanism of action

Figure 3 - Mechanism of action:
Left image – shoulder about to dislocate;
Right image – Latarjet procedure stopping dislocation


Post operative X-rays demonstrating Latarjet procedure

X-ray of shoulder following Latarjet procedure

Figure 4: X-ray of shoulder following Latarjet procedure.


X-ray showing good position of graft and screws following Latarjet procedure

Figure 5: X-ray showing good position of graft and screws following Latarjet procedure.

X-ray showing two screws used to fix coracoid bone graft

Figure 6: X-ray showing two screws used to fix coracoid bone graft


References

  1. Young AA, Maia R, Berhout J, Walch G. Open Latarjet procedure for management of bone loss in anterior instability of the glenohumeral joint. J Shoulder Elbow Surg, 2011 Mar;20(2 Suppl):S61-9

Related Patient Information

The Latarjet Operation for Shoulder Reconstruction

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