What is the Shoulder Joint and Why Is It Important?

Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint—it allows you to move your arm in many directions. It’s made up of:

• The humerus (upper arm bone)

• The glenoid (a shallow socket in your shoulder blade)

• Muscles, ligaments, and a rim of cartilage called the labrum

These parts work together to keep your shoulder stable, especially when reaching overhead or throwing.

If the shoulder dislocates (comes out of place) repeatedly—often due to sports injuries or trauma—it can damage the bone and soft tissues, making the joint unstable.

Why Is the Latarjet Procedure Done?

The Latarjet procedure is done when someone has chronic shoulder instability, especially after multiple dislocations or bone loss in the socket.

It helps:

• Prevent future dislocations

• Restore stability

• Allow you to return to an active lifestyle

It’s commonly recommended when previous treatments haven’t worked.

How Is the Procedure Done?

The Latarjet procedure is a surgical technique that strengthens your shoulder by using a piece of bone from your shoulder blade (coracoid).

Here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Small Incision – A small cut is made at the front of the shoulder.

2. Bone Transfer – A small piece of bone (with a tendon still attached) is taken from your shoulder blade.

3. Bone is Moved – This bone is moved and attached to the front of the socket (glenoid), where bone has been lost.

4. Secured in Place – The bone is secured with screws so it can heal and become part of the socket.

5. Extra Support – The attached tendon adds more stability, acting like a seatbelt.