Shoulder & elbow · Bone block stabilization

Latarjet procedure

The Latarjet procedure is a bone block surgery for shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss, transferring the coracoid process to the front of the glenoid using Johnson & Johnson LATARJET instrumentation for precise, reproducible fixation. Consultations with our fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeons in 1–3 days, with surgery typically 2–4 weeks later. Sling immobilization is typically 4–6 weeks, with return to contact sport once rehab milestones are met — typically 5–6 months.

At Pathway, our fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeons perform latarjet procedure. Consultations are available in 1–3 days, with surgery typically 2–4 weeks later.

Book a consultation (647) 799-3230

For instability with glenoid bone loss
J&J LATARJET instrumentation
Surgery in 2–4 weeks
No referral required

Patient returning to pickleball after shoulder stabilization recovery

5.0 from 250+ reviews

Bone block stabilization

At a glance

For instability with glenoid bone loss
J&J LATARJET instrumentation
Surgery in 2–4 weeks
No referral required

Patient stories

Recovery, in their words.

5.0 from 250+ patient reviews

Absolutely thrilled with my experience with Dr. Dessouki and the Latarjet surgery I had. Surgery went smoothly and I feel confident in the recovery plan. What really stood out was how responsive he was post-op, every question I texted was answered promptly.

Daniel Santelli

Latarjet procedure

I was a very complex shoulder case that many surgeons turned away. Dr. Alolabi took my shoulder on with no hesitation, explaining the surgery and risks well. Three days post-op I feel better than I did before surgery. Highly recommend.

Steven King

Complex shoulder surgery

What is the Latarjet procedure?

Recurrent shoulder dislocations can erode the bone of the glenoid (shoulder socket), making standard labral repairs less effective. The Latarjet procedure is designed for patients with significant glenoid bone loss or those who have failed prior stabilization surgery.

During the procedure, a piece of bone from the front of the shoulder blade (the coracoid process) is transferred to the front of the shoulder socket and fixed with screws. This bone graft increases the size of the socket, and the attached tendon (conjoint tendon) acts as a dynamic stabilizer when the arm is raised or rotated.

When is Latarjet recommended?

Significant glenoid bone loss (>20%)
Failed prior Bankart repair
Contact or collision athletes
Multiple shoulder dislocations

Instrumentation

J&J LATARJET system.

Purpose-built instrumentation for precise, reproducible bone block positioning.

Standardized technique

Purpose-designed guides for consistent graft preparation and positioning

Optimized fixation

Specialized screws designed for secure bone block attachment

Bone + tendon effect

Increases socket size while the conjoint tendon provides dynamic stability

Well-established procedure

An established option when significant bone loss makes soft-tissue repairs less effective

Learn more at jnjmedtech.com.

What to expect

The procedure.

The Latarjet procedure is performed in five main steps.

1

Incision & access

A small incision is made at the front of the shoulder
2

Coracoid harvest

A piece of bone from the shoulder blade (coracoid) with attached tendon is prepared
3

Glenoid preparation

The front of the socket is prepared to receive the bone graft
4

Bone block transfer

The coracoid is transferred and fixed to the glenoid with screws
5

Stability check

Shoulder stability and range of motion are confirmed

Your surgeons

Our Latarjet specialists.

Fellowship-trained shoulder & upper-extremity surgeons.

Dr. Bashar Alolabi

Shoulder & upper extremity

Dr. Jihad Abouali

Shoulder sports medicine

Read full surgeon profiles

Your recovery

Recovery after the Latarjet procedure.

4–6 weeks
1

4–6 weeks

Sling

Protect bone healing
6–12 weeks
2

6–12 weeks

Motion

Restore range of motion
3–4 months
3

3–4 months

Strengthening

Progressive exercises
5–6 months
4

5–6 months

Return to sport

With surgeon clearance

4–6 weeks

Sling

Protect bone healing

3–4 months

Strengthening

Progressive exercises

5–6 months

Return to sport

With surgeon clearance

Instability without significant bone loss?

The Latarjet procedure is designed for significant glenoid bone loss or failed prior stabilization surgery. If bone loss is not significant, an arthroscopic Bankart labral repair may be an option — your surgeon will review your imaging to recommend the right approach.

Learn about Bankart labral repair

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

A piece of bone from the front of the shoulder blade (the coracoid process) is transferred to the front of the shoulder socket and fixed with screws. The bone graft increases the size of the socket, and the attached conjoint tendon acts as a dynamic stabilizer when the arm is raised or rotated.

It is designed for patients with significant glenoid bone loss (greater than 20%), failed prior Bankart repair, contact or collision athletes, and those with multiple shoulder dislocations.

Sling immobilization is typically 4-6 weeks to protect bone healing, with range of motion restored over 6-12 weeks and progressive strengthening from 3-4 months. Return to sport is typically at 5-6 months, with surgeon clearance.

No referral is required. You can book a consultation with our surgeons directly.

Latarjet procedure

Recovery, in their words.