Coracoid process (Latarjet)

The coracoid plug is a surgical procedure designed to treat recurrent shoulder dislocations or certain types of instability involving bone loss in the glenoid cavity. It involves transferring a fragment of the coracoid process to the front of the shoulder in order to reconstruct the missing bone and create a dynamic stabilising effect via the tendons attached to it. This surgery helps to reduce the risk of further dislocation and facilitates a return to activities, including sport, following appropriate rehabilitation. The procedure is usually carried out on an outpatient basis or with a short hospital stay.

Where instability is primarily due to soft-tissue damage, anterior dynamic stabilisation (DAS) may be offered as a first-line treatment to preserve the anatomy. If this technique fails, or in the event of recurrent instability or the development of significant bone loss, the coracoid pin is a highly reliable second-line treatment, providing long-term stabilisation of the shoulder.