St Andrew's War Memorial Hospital ยท Spring Hill, Brisbane For referrers 07 3063 5500
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Rehabilitation After an Arthroscopic Latarjet

After a Latarjet the bone block needs to unite with the front of the glenoid. For the first six weeks, rest is more important than exercise.

The first six weeks

You will need to wear a sling for the first 6 weeks postoperatively. This is so that the bone block can unite to the front of the glenoid. During these first 6 weeks, rest is more important than exercise.

Physiotherapy

A physiotherapist will see you on the morning after surgery, before you are discharged. They will provide you with exercises and a brochure. Videos of the post-operative exercises commonly used after shoulder surgery are indexed on the rehabilitation page.

Important: avoid active biceps contraction

You must avoid active contraction of the biceps, such as flexing the elbow to lift an object towards your head.

The reason is anatomical. The biceps tendon attaches to the coracoid bone block, which is the piece of bone transferred to the front of the shoulder during the operation. Excess contraction of the biceps in the early weeks can prevent the bone block from healing to the front of your shoulder. It can also dislodge or fracture the block.

Confirming that the bone has healed

  1. A CT scan is required after 6 weeks.
  2. Dr Cutbush reviews the scan with you at your 6-week appointment to confirm that bone healing has occurred.
  3. If healing is confirmed, your rehabilitation programme can be upgraded, and plans for returning to work and to sport can be advanced.

Because progression depends on what the scan shows rather than on the calendar alone, the stages after 6 weeks are set at that appointment.

Related pages

These instructions are general guidance for patients of Dr Kenneth Cutbush. Your own instructions may differ depending on your procedure. Always follow the advice given to you by Dr Cutbush and your physiotherapist. If something does not look or feel right, contact the rooms on (07) 3063 5500.