What is a Latarjet procedure?

The shoulder joint has the largest range of motion of all of the joints in the body. This joint is made of a ball and socket formed by the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) and the glenoid socket (near the shoulder blade). Due to its large range of motion, the shoulder joint is also prone to injuries such as dislocations, which can stretch out the ligaments that hold the shoulder joint together and create instability in the shoulder. The Latarjet surgery is a shoulder procedure named after a French surgeon that treated patients with recurrent shoulder dislocations. Dr. Joseph Lamplot, orthopedic shoulder surgeon, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, who need Latarjet surgery due to recurrent shoulder dislocations.

Shoulder Dislocation X-Ray | Orlando, FL

Why would I need Latarjet?

The Latarjet surgery is most commonly recommended for patients with the following types of injuries:

  • Frequent episodes of shoulder instability after multiple shoulder dislocations
  • Front (anterior) bone loss of the glenoid socket following multiple shoulder dislocations
  • Complex or severe shoulder dislocations where the humerus cannot be relocated into proper alignment within the shoulder joint.

While these are common examples of injuries that benefit from Latarjet surgery, other shoulder injuries may also qualify. Dr. Lamplot will discuss the patient’s injury and decide if this procedure is right for each patient. These decisions are usually made based upon findings on imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scan.

How is a Latarjet surgery done?

During a Latarjet surgery, Dr. Lamplot will first create an incision to locate the coracoid process, a small part of the shoulder blade where some of the ligaments of the shoulder connect. This section of bone and ligament is then moved to the front section of the shoulder socket to create more stability within the shoulder joint. Relocation of the coracoid process can help to restore the glenoid bone (shoulder socket bone) in a patient with bone loss in this region. If needed in cases of severe glenoid bone loss, Dr. Lamplot can also perform a glenoid bone reconstruction where a bone graft from a cadaver is inserted into the glenoid socket to restore bone that has been lost due to injury. The procedure is performed through a single incision over the front of the shoulder measuring approximately 3-4 inches.

How long does it take to recover from a mini-open Latarjet procedure?

During the surgery, Dr. Lamplot will use a nerve block, which will cause numbness in the shoulder for approximately 24 hours after surgery. The patient will need to wear an arm sling and limit all movement for about 4 weeks after surgery to allow the shoulder to heal. Pain medications and ice may be utilized during this time to help with pain and swelling during the healing process. Following this time, the patient will then begin an individually tailored physical therapy program to return strength to the shoulder. Physical therapy will also help increase the range of motion of the shoulder and return the patient to normal activities. Patients can expect to make a full recovery after approximately 4 to 5 months after the Latarjet surgery.

Latarjet Surgeon

Have you had multiple shoulder dislocations? If so, the ligaments and muscles of your shoulder may have been damaged and are prone to further dislocation. Latarjet is a shoulder procedure done to prevent further shoulder dislocations and can be done in a mini-open procedure. Latarjet surgeon, Doctor Joseph D. Lamplot, provides diagnosis as well as surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL who have had frequent and multiple shoulder dislocations. Contact Dr. Lamplot’s team today!