Shoulder Stabilisation and Bone Block Procedures
Overview
Shoulder instability occurs when the ball of the shoulder slips partly or completely out of the socket. This may happen after a traumatic dislocation, repeated sporting injuries or underlying ligament laxity. Symptoms can include recurrent dislocation, apprehension, pain, clicking or a lack of trust in the shoulder.
Treatment depends on the direction of instability, the condition of the labrum and capsule, the amount of bone loss and the demands of work or sport. Surgery may involve arthroscopic stabilisation, capsulolabral repair or a bone block procedure such as a Latarjet.
Who may benefit from stabilisation surgery?
Surgery may be considered for recurrent dislocations, high-risk athletes, instability with bone loss, failed previous stabilisation, posterior instability or multidirectional instability that has not improved with rehabilitation.
Assessment includes examination, x-rays and often MRI or CT imaging to define soft tissue injury and bone loss.
What does the procedure involve?
Arthroscopic stabilisation repairs the torn labrum and tightens the capsule using small anchors and sutures. This is commonly used when the socket bone remains adequate and the instability is mainly soft-tissue based.
Bone block procedures, including Latarjet, add bone support to the socket and provide a dynamic sling effect from the transferred tendon. These procedures are used when bone loss or high-risk instability makes soft-tissue repair alone less reliable.
Recovery after stabilisation surgery
The shoulder is protected early while the repair or bone block heals. Movement is gradually restored, followed by strengthening, control work and sport-specific rehabilitation. Return to contact or collision sport requires careful assessment.
Rehabilitation protocol
Your rehabilitation protocol will depend on whether the operation was an arthroscopic anterior, posterior or multidirectional stabilisation, or an open bone block procedure.
FAQs
Do I need surgery after one dislocation?
Not always. The decision depends on age, sport, recurrence risk, imaging findings and whether there is bone or soft tissue injury.
When is a Latarjet needed?
It is considered when there is significant socket bone loss, repeated instability, high-risk sport or failed prior stabilisation.
Will I lose movement after stabilisation?
Some tightness is expected early. The goal is a stable shoulder with useful range of motion, restored through staged rehabilitation.
When can I return to contact sport?
This varies, but return usually requires healing, strength recovery and confidence with sport-specific testing.
Can instability come back?
Recurrence is possible, especially in high-risk sports or with further trauma. Procedure selection and rehabilitation help reduce this risk.
Book or Refer Today
For recurrent dislocation, apprehension or shoulder instability, book a consultation to discuss arthroscopic stabilisation and bone block options.
Reconstructive Orthopaedics Melbourne (ROM)
We restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life — through reconstructive orthopaedic surgery driven by evidence and advanced biomechanics.