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Latarjet Procedure

The Latarjet procedure is a surgical treatment for chronic anterior shoulder instability, particularly when the glenoid (shoulder socket) has lost bone from repeated dislocations. The surgeon transfers a piece of bone — the coracoid process — along with its attached conjoint tendon to the front of the glenoid. This does two things simultaneously: it rebuilds the missing bone on the socket rim to restore the "bony bumper" that prevents the humeral head from slipping forward, and the sling effect of the conjoint tendon across the front of the shoulder provides a dynamic restraint. The Latarjet is one of the most durable shoulder stabilization procedures available, with recurrence rates under 5% at long-term follow-up.

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Latarjet Procedure surgery - orthopaedic procedure overview and what to expect

Who Needs Latarjet Procedure?

Patients with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocations — particularly those with significant glenoid bone loss (typically 20-25% or more of the glenoid surface), Hill-Sachs lesions on the humeral head that engage the glenoid rim during motion, or those who have failed a prior Bankart repair. Athletes in contact sports and throwing sports with bone loss are frequently offered Latarjet over soft-tissue Bankart repair because of its lower recurrence rate in high-demand populations.

What to Expect

1
Pre-operative CT scan to measure glenoid bone loss and plan the coracoid transfer size
2
Surgery under general anesthesia; takes 1.5-2.5 hours
3
Open or arthroscopic-assisted technique; the coracoid is harvested and fixed to the glenoid face with two screws
4
The conjoint tendon remains attached to the transferred coracoid, providing the sling effect across the subscapularis
5
Arm immobilized in a sling for 4-6 weeks post-operatively
6
Physical therapy begins immediately for passive range-of-motion, progressing to strengthening after 6 weeks

Recovery Timeline

Weeks 1-4

Sling immobilization. Pendulum exercises only. Ice for swelling. Significant restriction of external rotation to protect the repair.

Weeks 4-8

Sling discontinued. Active range-of-motion begins. Formal physical therapy: shoulder mobility and scapular stabilization.

Months 2-3

Progressive strengthening. Return to desk work and light activity. External rotation continues to increase slowly.

Months 3-5

Return to sport-specific training without contact. Throwing athletes begin interval throwing programs.

Months 5-6

Return to full contact sport for most patients. Overhead athletes may need up to 9-12 months before return to competition.

Risks & Complications

  • Coracoid non-union — the transferred bone fails to fuse to the glenoid (uncommon with modern fixation)
  • Musculocutaneous nerve injury causing weakness of elbow flexion
  • Hardware (screw) prominence requiring removal
  • Loss of external rotation — the shoulder may feel tighter after surgery
  • Glenohumeral arthritis at long-term follow-up (higher rate than Bankart but acceptable given instability prevention)
  • Infection
  • Recurrent instability (under 5% in most series)

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Latarjet different from Bankart repair?

Bankart repair reattaches the torn anterior labrum (the cartilage rim) back to the glenoid with suture anchors — it is a soft-tissue procedure and works well when there is no significant bone loss. Latarjet adds bone to the glenoid socket itself, which is necessary when repeated dislocations have eroded enough of the rim that a Bankart repair alone cannot restore the normal bony anatomy. In patients with significant bone loss, Bankart repair alone has recurrence rates of 20-50%; Latarjet recurrence rates in the same patients are under 5%. The Latarjet requires more surgical expertise, has a slightly longer recovery, and carries some unique risks (musculocutaneous nerve, hardware), but for the right patient it is substantially more durable.

Will I lose range of motion after Latarjet?

Most patients lose 5-10 degrees of external rotation compared to the other shoulder. For daily activities and most sports this is inconsequential. Overhead throwing athletes (baseball pitchers, quarterbacks, volleyball players) feel this restriction more acutely because their sport depends on maximal external rotation for velocity and mechanics. Some elite throwing athletes choose Bankart repair over Latarjet specifically to preserve external rotation, accepting a somewhat higher recurrence risk. This tradeoff should be discussed with a surgeon experienced in both techniques.

Is the Latarjet reversible if something goes wrong?

The coracoid transfer is not easily reversible — moving the bone back to its original position is not realistic once it has healed in its new location. Hardware can be removed if it becomes symptomatic. If the Latarjet fails or causes problems, revision options include additional bone grafting, total shoulder replacement, or other salvage procedures. This is one reason the decision to proceed with Latarjet versus Bankart repair should be made carefully, ideally with a shoulder specialist who performs both procedures and can objectively compare your imaging findings against published bone-loss thresholds.

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Estimated Cost

$15,000 - $30,000. Covered by most insurance for patients with documented recurrent dislocations and imaging-confirmed bone loss. The procedure is technically demanding and outcomes are strongly tied to surgeon experience with the technique — volume matters.

Full cost breakdown

Other Procedures

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This information is for educational purposes only. Costs are estimates and vary by location, surgeon, and insurance. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.