Historically, this surgery was the standard treatment for people with shoulder dislocations. Latarjet surgery is highly successful at preventing additional dislocations.
Anatomy
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint made up of three bones: the humerus (arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade) and clavicle (collarbone). The bones are covered with articular cartilage for smooth, pain-free motion of the joint. The muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder provide stability and support. All of these structures allow the shoulder to rotate through a greater range of motion than any other joint in the body. But this mobility comes with a price – a higher risk of injury and dislocation. Shoulder instability occurs when the ligaments, bones and muscles do not keep the ball tightly in the socket, leading to repeat dislocations.
When is surgery recommended?
Although the vast majority of people with shoulder instability do very well with simple arthroscopic techniques, there’s a small subset with extensive pathologies for whom a more complex procedure is warranted. If you have shoulder instability, it’s important that you consult a qualified orthopedic surgeon to select the right surgical option for you.