Latarjet Procedure

In some cases of shoulder instability, your doctor may recommend another type of reconstruction procedure known as Latarjet. This involves the transfer of a bone block (coracoid process) with its attached tendon to reconstruct the deficient glenoid. This procedure might be necessary for patients with significant bone loss, those undergoing revision surgery, or professional contact sports athletes.​

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The Latarjet procedure, named after French surgeon Michel Latarjet who first described it in the 1950s, involves the transfer of a portion of the coracoid process—a bony prominence on the shoulder blade—to the anterior aspect of the glenoid. By augmenting the glenoid bone with the coracoid bone block, the Latarjet procedure aims to effectively deepens the socket and provides additional support for the humeral head (ball), reducing the risk of dislocation.

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The Latarjet procedure is typically performed as an open surgical technique, although variations of the procedure have been adapted for arthroscopic approaches in select cases. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision over the front of the shoulder and identifies the coracoid process, which is detached from its original attachment to the scapula. The coracoid bone block is then carefully prepared and transferred to the anterior glenoid rim, where it is fixed in place using screws or other fixation devices. By securing the coracoid bone block to the glenoid, the surgeon effectively reconstructs the deficient bone and restores stability to the shoulder joint.

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