If you’re dealing with shoulder instability that isn’t responding to conservative treatment, a surgical procedure may be just what you need to restore strength and stability in your shoulder. There are a few different procedures that can address this instability, but for patients with bone loss in the shoulder socket, oftentimes the best procedure is the Latarjet correction.
The Latarjet procedure is named for the French surgeon Dr. Michel Latarjet, who developed the technique in 1954. It is considered one of the most effective ways to address shoulder instability for individuals with bone loss or for those who want to return to high-performance athletics. Below, we take a closer look at the Latarjet procedure and how Dr. Holloway can help address your shoulder instability.
The Latarjet Surgery For Shoulder Instability
As we mentioned in the introduction, the Latarjet procedure is oftentimes reserved for patients who have experienced bone loss in the glenoid (shoulder socket). This bone loss could be the result of natural bone degeneration over the years or it may be caused by significant or repetitive trauma to the area. Athletes who have experienced multiple shoulder dislocations may find themselves dealing with shoulder instability and bone loss in the area. In order to fully address the problem, the surgeon needs to tighten the soft tissues and account for the bone loss in the region, which is why the Larajet procedure is a good fit.
The Larajet procedure is performed with the assistance of general anesthesia and a nerve block, meaning you will not feel any discomfort during the procedure. Once the patient has been prepped, an incision is made over the front of the shoulder. Next, a small portion of bone from your shoulder blade – the coracoid process – is removed. This bone is actually transferred to the front of the glenoid to replace the missing bone. The coracoid process acts as a strut within the shoulder joint to prevent future dislocations. This bone is secured in place with surgical hardware, and any loose soft tissues are tightened to provide a complete correction.
The open technique is considered the gold standard for shoulder instability with bone loss. The arthroscopic procedure is more challenging for the surgeon, but when performed correctly offers a similar success rate with reduced trauma to the shoulder region.
Your shoulder will be immobilized after the procedure, and you shouldn’t expect to do much physical activity with that arm for a while. Most patients are in a sling for 2-4 weeks following the procedure, and physical therapy to restore strength and range of motion tends to begin around the six-week mark. You may be able to return to certain daily activities and work tasks once your sling comes off, depending on your work requirements. That said, patients are typically told not to lift more than 15 pounds for the first 4-6 months of recovery, so your return to work timeline will vary based on the specifics of your job. Most patients can return to more physical tasks and athletics around six months post-op.
Hopefully you never need to undergo a surgical procedure to address shoulder instability and glenoid bone loss, but Dr. Holloway is here to help if you need professional assistance with your shoulders. For more information about the Larajet procedure or managing a different shoulder ailment, reach out to his office today at (865) 410-7887.
