Shoulder dislocation is a very common pathology. Often referred to as a “popped-out shoulder”, this injury occurs mainly — but not always — during sporting activities. Anterior shoulder dislocation is reduced (put back in place), most often with the help of sedation (light anaesthesia). Reduction of a shoulder dislocation is carried out by a doctor.

Likely course after a dislocation

After the first episode of shoulder dislocation — often very painful and requiring a visit to A&E — the condition may progress towards either chronic shoulder instability (recurrent dislocations) or shoulder subluxations. Sometimes the unstable shoulder may simply be painful during sport.

Shoulder dislocation surgery

Arthroscopic surgery: the Bankart technique

When shoulder dislocations become too frequent, surgical treatment is required. A shoulder arthroscopy is then performed to repair the labrum and reinforce the ligaments. This procedure is called a Bankart repair of the shoulder. However, when there is bone damage — known as a bony Bankart lesion — arthroscopic surgery gives poorer results. In such cases, a shoulder bone-block (buttée) is preferred.

Bone-block surgery: the Latarjet procedure

A dislocated shoulder sometimes causes lesions (bony Bankart lesions). In such cases, a shoulder bone-block is very often proposed. A small bone fragment (coracoid bone-block) is harvested and placed where the bone has been lost. This bone-block procedure is called the Latarjet operation, described more than 50 years ago by a Lyon-based surgeon, Michel Latarjet. The procedure delivers very good long-term outcomes.

Course of the procedure

Whether for a Latarjet procedure or a Bankart shoulder repair, surgery is performed as a day case under local anaesthesia alone or combined with a general anaesthetic. Overall, you arrive in the morning and leave in the middle of the afternoon.

During the first three weeks, you must wear a sling with the elbow held against the body. Shoulder rehabilitation begins the day after surgery. The goal is to recover as much mobility as possible. From the third week, the patient is allowed to drive.

Six weeks after surgery, the patient can resume light sporting activity: swimming, cycling and jogging are allowed. Shoulder rehabilitation then aims to rebuild strength. In principle, all sporting activities are permitted three months after the operation.

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Frequently asked questions

What should you do in case of a shoulder dislocation?
You must seek emergency care. The dislocation is reduced — put back in place — by a doctor, usually under light sedation. This first episode is often very painful and requires an emergency-room visit.
Is surgery needed after a first dislocation?
Not always. Surgery becomes necessary when dislocations recur (chronic instability) or in case of painful instability, particularly during sport. After a first episode, the condition may also progress to simple subluxations.
What surgical techniques are possible?
Two options: the Bankart procedure, performed arthroscopically, which repairs the labrum and reinforces the ligaments; and the Latarjet procedure (bone block), preferred when there is bone loss (bony Bankart). The bone block gives very good long-term results.
How does the operation take place?
Whether for a Bankart or a Latarjet, the procedure is performed as a day case, under local anaesthesia alone or combined with general anaesthesia. You come in during the morning and leave in the early afternoon.
When can you return to sport after the operation?
A sling is worn for 3 weeks, and driving resumes from the third week. Light sport (swimming, cycling, running) is allowed at 6 weeks, and in principle all sporting activities 3 months after the operation.
Consultation locations
  • Clinique Drouot Molitor – Sports & Arthritis
    37 rue Molitor, 75016 Paris
    +33 1 88 40 20 30
  • American Hospital of Paris
    55 Bd du Château, 92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine
    +33 1 88 40 20 30
Surgical venues
  • American Hospital of Paris
    55 Bd du Château, 92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine
  • Clinique Victor Hugo
    5 Bis Rue du Dôme, 75116 Paris
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