Reconstruction of the Coracoacromial Ligament during a Modified Latarjet Procedure for the Treatment of Shoulder Instability: Clinical Outcome at Minimum 5 Years Follow-Up

Objective The function of the coracoacromial ligament (CAL) in superior shoulder stability has been well established, and the release of the CAL with the Latarjet procedure leads to increased superior humeral translation. A surgical technique was developed recently to reconstruct the CAL during a modified Latarjet procedure, and the clinical outcome of this technique at medium-term follow-up is yet to be determined. Methods Twenty-six patients with chronic post-traumatic anterior shoulder instability were included in this retrospective case-control study. Patients in group 1 (n=12) were surgically treated with the classic congruent-arc Latarjet, where the CAL is sacrificed. In group 2 (n=14), the CAL was reconstructed using a pectoralis minor fascia flap (PMFF). Primary outcomes were the return to sports activity and functional assessment based on the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) and the Constant Score (CS) at minimum 5 years follow-up. Patients demographics, sport activities, duration of surgery, the rate of recurrent dislocations, and specific complications related to the surgical technique were recorded as secondary variables. Results There was a decrease of the WOSI in both groups, indicating a decrease of symptoms at follow-up compared to the preoperative level. There was no statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2 for the total WOSI as well as for all subscales. There was an increase of the CS in both groups in all four items at follow-up compared to preoperatively, indicating an increase in shoulder function at follow-up. There was a statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2 for the total CS, as well as for the items power, mobility, and activity, but not for pain. Most patients (n=20) returned to their preoperative sports activity, 13 at the same level. However, seven patients who used to perform their sports competitively chose to perform their activity at a noncompetitive level after the Latarjet procedure. All were younger than 35 years of age. Six patients did not return to their preoperative sports activity. All except one were over 35 years of age. The duration of surgery ranged from 75 to 125 minutes with a meanSD of 94.2315.06 minutes for both groups with no significant difference between the groups (p=0.117). None of the patients had intra- or postoperative complications related to the surgical procedure. Especially, no patient had recurrent dislocations of the affected shoulder following the Latarjet procedure. Conclusion The use of a PMFF is a safe technique for reconstruction of the CAL, which does not result in a longer surgery time or higher rate of complications. The reconstruction of the CAL during the modified Latarjet procedure may lead to better functional results in medium-term follow-up.