Reconstruction of the coracoacromial ligament during a modified Latarjet procedure: a case series

BACKGROUND The coracoacromial ligament (CAL) is an important restraint to superior shoulder translation. CAL release with the Latarjet procedure leads to increased superior humeral translation. Therefore, a surgical technique was developed to reconstruct the CAL during a modified Latarjet procedure. METHODS Between May 2010 and July 2011, six patients (five were male, one was female; age 23-41 years) with chronic post-traumatic anterior shoulder instability were treated surgically with a modified congruent-arc Latarjet procedure (modLAT) with additional reconstruction of the CAL using a newly developed procedure, the pectoralis minor fascia flap (PMFF). Clinical follow-up was performed for up to 36 months, and patients were evaluated using a Rowe score. RESULTS All six patients experienced chronic, post-traumatic anterior shoulder instability and had experienced multiple re-dislocations after initial treatment. The preoperative assessment showed a defect of the anterior glenoid in three cases, and the mean Rowe score was 16.67 (5-25). Open modLAT with PMFF resulted in a stable shoulder function with no re-dislocations. The Rowe score increased from 77.5 (65-90) at 12 weeks to 95 (90-100) at 12 months and plateaued thereafter. Operative duration was 95 min (78-112 min), and there were no intra- or postoperative complications. All patients returned to their preoperative sports activity, three at the same level. CONCLUSION The PMFF is a safe technique for reconstruction of the CAL during a modLAT procedure. Patients had improved shoulder function and no re-dislocations after the surgery.