Overview
The Latarjet surgical technique is an option for patients who did not achieve a successful outcome with an earlier shoulder surgery. It is a form of shoulder revision surgery. Dr. Romeo has extensive experience helping patients reclaim an active, pain-free life using the Latarjet technique to correct failed shoulder surgeries.
Additionally, Latarjet can be used when there is bone loss and shoulder instability due to previous shoulder dislocation or another type of injury or trauma.
Latarjet Surgery FAQ
How successful is the surgery?
A number of recent studies show that the Latarjet procedure is highly effective at:
- Correcting failed shoulder surgery
- Rebuilding supportive structures
- Addressing chronic instability
- Preventing further shoulder dislocations
The surgery has a very low incidence of additional surgery being needed. Persons who have suffered the pain and disappointment of failed shoulder stabilization surgery appreciate the fact that only 4 to 5% of Latarjet patients will experience another dislocation in the future.
How does the surgery work?
The Latarjet procedure involves removing a portion of the shoulder bone, repositioning it to create new stability in the shoulder, and reattaching it with screws. In this procedure, a piece of the scapula bone is moved to the front of the socket. There are two small tendons, which attach to the bone from the scapula that further help to stabilize the shoulder joint with the Latarjet procedure.
The newly created bone structure replaces bone that has been lost due to shoulder dislocation or as a result of a failed surgical procedure.
Latarjet Surgery Recovery
After a Latarjet surgery, you will be sent home with a sling to wear for at least four weeks. The sling will immobilize your arm and allow your shoulder joint to heal. Swelling is a normal part of the healing process, and it will initially restrict your range of motion. Dr. Romeo recommends that you apply ice packs to your shoulder several times a day to reduce swelling and manage discomfort. Other post-op pain management options may be prescribed.
You will gradually ease into a routine of simple exercises you can do at home. After about a month, it will be time to begin a light program of physical therapy to build strength in the joint and extend your range-of-motion. At first, exercises will be mostly passive range-of-motion activities. It is important not to place excessive stress on the joint as it recovers.
At eight to twelve weeks, light weight-lifting exercises will begin. Sports-related rehab programs can begin after three months.
For more information about the Latarjet solution for previous failed shoulder surgeries, please request an appointment with experienced Chicago orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Anthony Romeo. Call our office today to schedule your visit.
Want to know more? Here a few of Dr. Romeo’s recent medical journal articles about Latarjet:
- The Outcomes & Surgical Techniques of the Latarjet Procedure
- Comparing Glenoid Reconstruction & Latarjet Surgery
Shoulder Surgery Videos
Anatomy of the Shoulder as it relates to Surgery
Animation of Latarjet
Anthony Romeo, MD
Dr. Anthony Romeo is one of the nation’s leading orthopaedic surgeons specializing in the management and surgical treatment of shoulder and elbow conditions. His state-of-the-art practice employs minimally-invasive arthroscopic techniques to accelerate the recovery process for a range of challenging conditions.
