Coracoacromial ligament section under ultrasonographic control: A cadaveric study on 20 cases

• Published in: Orthopaedics & traumatology, surgery & research Vol. 100; no. 2; pp. 167 - 170
• Main Authors: Delforge, S, Lecoq, B, Hulet, C, Marcelli, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: France Elsevier Masson SAS 01.04.2014
• Subjects: Cadaver; Coracoacromial ligament; Coracoid impingement; Feasibility Studies; Humans; Impingement syndrome; Ligaments, Articular - diagnostic imaging; Ligaments, Articular - surgery; Orthopedics; Shoulder Impingement Syndrome - surgery; Shoulder Joint - blood supply; Shoulder Joint - diagnostic imaging; Shoulder Joint - surgery; Subacromial impingement; Surgery; Ultrasonography, Interventional; Ultrasound; Coracoid impingement; Impingement syndrome; Coracoacromial ligament; Ultrasound; Subacromial impingement
• ISSN: 1877-0568; 1877-0568
• DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2013.09.018

Abstract Introduction The coracoacromial ligament is a complex anatomical structure involved in the development of subacromial impingement; treatment is founded on sectioning the ligament, with or without associated arthroscopic acromioplasty and debridement. Hypothesis Complete coracoacromial ligament section can be performed under ultrasound, without lesion to surrounding structures. Materials and methods The coracoacromial ligament was sectioned on the coracoid side, under ultrasound navigation, in 10 cadavers donated to science: i.e. 20 shoulders. After ultrasound location of the shoulder structures, sectioning was performed with a skin incision at the level of the deltopectoral sulcus. Secondary surgical control checked conservation of the acromial branch of the thoracoacromial artery, and the quality of the procedure. Results Mean surgery duration was 18.5 minutes (± 5 min). Seventeen sections were complete (85%). Artery location was hampered by the impossibility of using Doppler on these cadavers, yet even so there were only 2 vascular lesions. There were no accidental rotator cuff or cartilaginous lesions. Conclusion This relatively non-invasive technique is quick and less heavy than open surgery, opening up new treatment perspectives. It could be indicated in coracoid and subacromial impingement before opting for surgery, or as a complement to surgery. It does, however, involve a learning curve and requires solid ultrasound skills.