Open Latarjet: A Reliable, Successful Method to Prevent Recurrence in the Presence of Bony Defects

Glenoid bone loss may dictate the success of procedures to restore anterior shoulder instability. The Latarjet procedure addresses bony defects to minimize the risk of recurrence in this subset of patients with bone loss in both athletes and non-athletes alike. This article describes a modified, open Latarjet procedure using a subscapularis splitting technique that provides stability through the triple-blocking effect previously described by Patte et al. The “sling effect”, a dynamic effect created by the transfer of the conjoint tendon, provides stabilization in abducted and externally rotated arm positions particularly at mid and end ranges of motion. Augmentation of the anteroinferior glenoid increases or restores the glenoid diameter to provide stability through a “bone blocking effect”. Lastly, stability is achieved by repairing the capsule to the coracoacromial ligament stump. This open procedure has been utilized successfully when a physician is confronted by this difficult clinical scenario.