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Latarjet Procedure

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Latarjet procedure — bone block transfer for recurrent shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss.

Updated May 2026

A hand-drawn illustration of a rugby player bracing their shoulder in a tackle. — X-ray after a Latarjet procedure: two screws hold the transferred coracoid bone block against the front of the shoulder socket, restoring bone stock and stopping the ball from slipping out. Kieran Hirpara 4.0

Why this operation has been suggested¶

This page reflects how Dr Kieran Hirpara, an upper-limb surgeon at Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, approaches this in our clinic. We recommend this procedure when non-operative care has not given enough improvement. You typically reach our clinic by GP or physiotherapist referral. A clinic assessment establishes the diagnosis. We consider surgery when activity change, therapy, or injections have not restored stability.

The Latarjet procedure is a keyhole surgery that uses two or three small incisions and a small camera inside the joint. It moves a piece of bone to your shoulder blade to prevent the ball from slipping out of the socket. Most patients have excellent outcomes at mid-term follow-up. The overall recurrence rate following a primary Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder instability is 4.7%. The main benefit is restoring stability to your shoulder.

Before the operation¶

You must fast for six hours before your anaesthetic. Stop taking blood-thinning medicines as your surgeon advises. Arrange a lift home and bring a list of all current medications. Wear comfortable, loose clothing. You may need X-rays, an MRI scan, or blood tests to check your shoulder and general health. An anaesthetist will review these results to plan your pain relief and safety. We perform this operation using an arthroscopic approach with two or three small incisions and a small camera inside the joint. This keyhole method helps us see the structures clearly while minimising tissue damage. Please follow all specific instructions given to you by our team.

On the day¶

This operation is done under general anaesthetic combined with a regional nerve block. You will be fully asleep for the operation, and the block — an injection that numbs the nerves supplying the arm before you wake up — provides pain relief for the first 12 to 24 hours after surgery. The anaesthetist will meet you before the operation and talk you through both parts.

You will arrive at the hospital for admission. Our team will guide you to the operating theatre. We perform this procedure using an arthroscopic keyhole approach. This involves two or three small incisions. A small camera is placed inside your joint to guide the surgery. You will wake up in the recovery area once the procedure is complete.

What the operation involves¶

Your surgeon performs this procedure using an arthroscopic, or keyhole, approach. This means we use two or three small incisions, each about 1 cm long, rather than one large cut. Through these small openings, we insert a tiny camera and specialized instruments into your shoulder joint. This allows us to see inside clearly on a screen while keeping the surrounding tissue intact.

First, we prepare the area where the bone graft will sit. We gently release the capsule, which is the tough tissue lining your joint, to create space. We then take a small piece of bone from your coracoid process, a bony bump on the front of your shoulder blade. We shape this bone graft and position it across the front of your shoulder socket.

Next, we secure the bone in place. We use small screws to hold the bone graft firmly against the socket. This creates a bony block that prevents your shoulder from dislocating forward again. If needed, we also repair the capsule to the coracoacromial ligament, a strong band of tissue above your shoulder, to add extra stability.

Finally, we close the small incisions. We use dissolving stitches under the skin and either removable stitches or glue on the surface. A sterile dressing is applied to keep the area clean. The entire procedure is performed while you are asleep and feel no pain.

After the operation¶

You will wake up in the recovery ward with your arm in a sling and a dressing over the wounds. Most patients stay one night in hospital after this operation, though some are able to go home the same day. We perform this as an arthroscopic (keyhole) procedure using two or three small incisions and a small camera inside the joint. Someone should stay with you for the first 24 hours to help. You must not drive for at least SIX WEEKS after any shoulder operation, regardless of which arm was operated on. Patients in a sling must NOT drive. Once your surgeon clears you, typically at the six-week review, you may resume driving. See Driving after upper-limb surgery.

Recovery¶

You will have two or three small incisions for this arthroscopic keyhole surgery. A tiny camera guides your surgeon inside the joint. In the first few days, swelling and aching are normal. Your shoulder may feel stiff. We recommend keeping the arm elevated when resting to help reduce swelling. Ice packs applied over the sling can ease discomfort. Take your prescribed pain relief as directed to stay comfortable while you rest.

You will wear a sling to protect the repair. We advise against driving while in the sling or taking strong pain medication. Your surgeon will clear you to drive, typically at your six-week review. See our guide on Driving after upper-limb surgery for full details. You can manage light tasks with your non-operated arm. Avoid lifting anything heavy or reaching behind your back. Sleep on your back or on the non-operated side with a pillow supporting the injured arm.

As swelling settles and movement returns, your physiotherapist will guide your rehabilitation. You will start gentle exercises to restore motion. Progress depends on how your shoulder heals. Milestones are based on function, not just time. You will advance activities as strength and control improve. Your timeline may differ; your surgeon and physio will guide you through each stage to ensure safe recovery.

What can go wrong¶

Most patients do well, but problems can occasionally happen. Your surgeon and the team monitor you closely to spot any issue early.

Infection is a risk with any surgery. You might notice increasing redness, warmth, or swelling around the shoulder. The pain may feel deeper or throb more than usual. You might also see drainage from the small cuts. If this happens, contact our clinic right away. We may need to prescribe antibiotics or clean the area.

Recurrent instability means your shoulder slips out of place again. You might feel a sudden shift or a clicking sensation in your joint. It can feel like the shoulder is loose or unstable when you move it. If this occurs, stop using the arm heavily. Call our clinic to discuss next steps.

Graft-related issues involve the bone piece used to stabilize the joint. You might feel persistent pain or a grinding sensation near the front of the shoulder. Sometimes the bone graft does not heal properly or shifts slightly. This can cause ongoing discomfort or limited movement. Report these symptoms to us so we can check the healing process.

Arthritis can develop or worsen over time. Twenty years after the procedure, some patients notice stiffness or aching in the shoulder, especially with weather changes or heavy use. Most cases are mild, but it can affect daily activities. Mention any new joint pain at your follow-up visits. We can suggest ways to manage the discomfort.

Female patients may have a higher risk of needing emergency care shortly after surgery. You might experience unexpected pain or complications that require urgent attention. Be aware of this increased risk and seek help quickly if something feels wrong.

The complications table on this page lists typical rates if you want the specifics.

When to call us¶

Call us if you have a fever, increasing wound redness or discharge, or sudden severe pain. Go to emergency if you notice calf swelling or shortness of breath. Seek urgent care for loss of sensation or inability to move your limb. We want to ensure your recovery stays on track. Contact our team promptly if any of these symptoms occur so we can assess you quickly.

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