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Your shoulder slips out while playing a sport, reaching overhead, or even during an ordinary movement. After it happens once, you may start feeling nervous about certain activities because you never know when the shoulder might become unstable again.
Repeated shoulder dislocations are not something you should simply learn to live with. When the shoulder repeatedly becomes unstable, an orthopaedic evaluation can help determine whether a procedure such as the Latarjet procedure may be appropriate.
The shoulder has a wide range of movement, but that flexibility also makes it vulnerable to instability. Damage to the supporting structures around the shoulder can increase the risk of repeated dislocations.
If your shoulder has dislocated multiple times, feels loose, or repeatedly gives way, your doctor may recommend imaging and other assessments to understand the extent of the problem.
Shoulder instability isn't limited to athletes. Simple activities such as dressing, reaching for something on a shelf or sleeping in a particular position may become uncomfortable when you are worried about another dislocation.
That loss of confidence in your shoulder is an important part of the problem and should not be ignored.
The Latarjet procedure is a surgical technique used in selected cases of recurrent shoulder instability. It involves transferring a portion of bone with its attached tendon to the front of the shoulder to help improve stability.
It is not automatically recommended for every person with a shoulder dislocation. The decision depends on factors such as previous dislocations, bone loss, activity level and the condition of the shoulder structures.
Arthroscopy uses a small camera and specialised instruments inserted through small openings around the joint. It allows the surgeon to examine and treat structures inside the shoulder.
Depending on the patient's condition and the planned procedure, an arthroscopic approach may be considered as part of the surgical strategy.
The important point is that the surgical technique should be selected based on the patient's actual shoulder problem rather than simply choosing the newest-sounding option.
We have seen active patients who initially reduced sports and exercise because their shoulder repeatedly felt unstable. After proper assessment, the focus shifted from simply avoiding movements to understanding the underlying cause and creating a structured treatment plan.
The result of a proper evaluation is not always surgery. In some cases, rehabilitation may be appropriate; in others, recurrent instability or structural damage may require surgical treatment.
A common assumption is that repeated shoulder dislocation automatically means surgery. That's not necessarily true.
Treatment depends on the patient's age, activity level, number of dislocations, imaging findings, bone loss and overall shoulder condition. A specialist should explain why a particular procedure is being considered and what alternatives may exist.
Our main orthopaedic specialties include:
Shoulder instability and dislocation
Arthroscopy procedures
Sports-related injuries
Ligament and tendon problems
Knee and hip conditions
Joint replacement
Fracture treatment
Spine-related conditions
Orthopaedic fixation
Arthritis and chronic joint problems
Anuraksha Specialised Orthopaedic Clinic provides specialised orthopaedic evaluation and treatment for joint, bone, muscle and sports-related conditions. Our approach focuses on identifying the underlying problem and discussing treatment options according to the patient's symptoms, examination and diagnostic findings.
Consider an orthopaedic evaluation if you experience:
Repeated shoulder dislocations
A shoulder that frequently feels unstable
A slipping or “giving way” sensation
Pain during overhead activities
Reduced shoulder movement
Weakness after a previous dislocation
Fear of returning to sports or exercise
Repeated shoulder injuries
Early assessment can help determine whether the issue is mainly related to soft-tissue damage, bone loss, muscle weakness or another cause.
The Latarjet procedure is generally used for selected cases of recurrent shoulder instability, particularly when certain structural problems make other treatments less suitable.
The surgical approach depends on the patient's condition and the surgeon's assessment. Arthroscopic techniques may be used in selected cases.
Recovery varies between patients. Rehabilitation usually takes several stages, and returning to sports or demanding activities should be based on healing, strength, movement and the treating surgeon's guidance.
Repeated shoulder dislocations can affect much more than your joint. They can change how you exercise, work, sleep and move.
If your shoulder has repeatedly slipped out or feels unstable, schedule an orthopaedic consultation at Anuraksha Specialised Orthopaedic Clinic for a proper assessment and personalised treatment plan.
