Latarjet Procedure
The Latarjet procedure is a brilliant improvement on an operation that has been around for half a century. It is an operation to stabilise your shoulder and prevent shoulder dislocation. It involves taking a bone graft from the front of the shoulder blade and attaching it to the front of your shoulder joint socket.
Dr. David Colvin, trained in orthopaedic surgery in Perth. David's specialty is knee and shoulder surgery and sports injuries.
What is so clever about the Latarjet procedure?
The Latarjet procedure is a “triple play”. It prevents shoulder dislocations in three ways. Firstly, your orthopaedic surgeon will use a bone graft from the shoulder blade to build up the bone at the front of the shoulder socket. This additional bone works as a bumper bar preventing further dislocations.
Secondly, the transferred bone graft has a tendon still attached to it. The tendon is repositioned so that it runs across the front of the shoulder acting as a sling and further preventing dislocation.
The final part of the operation is to repair the torn labrum and tighten the capsule.
Because it works in three different ways, the Latarjet procedure has proven to be the most successful treatment for shoulder dislocation. The Latarjet procedure is an open shoulder stabilisation. It’s done through a vertical cut on the front of the shoulder.
Shoulder & Knee Surgery Perth
When should you consider open shoulder stabilisation surgery?
Dr Colvin in Perth is likely to advise the Latarjet procedure if you have had frequent episodes of dislocation and shoulder instability. It is also the best operation if you have had a previous arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation which has re-dislocated.
The Latarjet procedure is our go-to operation for high demand patients. It’s the operation of choice for AFL footballers and any athlete involved in contact sport. It is also the preferred procedure if you have a physically demanding job which requires working in an overhead position.
Rehabilitation after a Latarjet procedure.
Open shoulder stabilisation surgery is a major joint reconstruction, and the recovery does take many months. You will require a sling for the first six weeks while the bone graft heals. The great thing about the Latarjet procedure is the recovery is as quick or sometimes quicker than arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation surgery. This is because the bone graft is held onto the shoulder socket with metal screws which provide very secure fixation. Professional athletes are returning to competitive sport as early as four months post surgery, something we would previously have found unachievable. You can use Dr Colvin’s Latarjet rehabilitation program.
Make an appointment to discuss your needs.
Open shoulder stabilisation is a more invasive surgical procedure than arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation. There are some additional risks, but there are also significant advantages. Dr Colvin, your Perth based orthopaedic surgeon will make sure you are fully informed of the pros and cons of the Latarjet procedure before making your surgical treatment decision.
Call 08 9489 8788 to make an appointment.
CO.RE Exercises
In the field of shoulder and knee reconstruction, successful outcomes from an operation are 50% surgery and 50% rehabilitation. You could say the surgery is the easy bit, the rehabilitation is all hard slog. Dr Colvin’s CO.RE exercise programs are just that, a core plan for your successful recovery.
Dislocated Shoulder
Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilisation
Shoulder Instability
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CONTACT DETAILS
OPENING HOURS
Consulting Rooms
Dr David Colvin consults at:
Western Orthopaedic Clinic Suite 213,
25 McCourt Street,
Subiaco WA 6008 (Perth)
- These rooms are part of St John of God Subiaco Hospital.
- Parking is available on site.
OPERATING
Dr David Colvin operates at:
St John of God Subiaco Hospital
Salvado Road,
Subiaco WA 6008 (Perth)