Re-formation of the coracoacromial ligament after open resection or arthroscopic release.
In 21 (91%) of 23 shoulder revisions after primary surgery involving resection or release of the coracoacromial ligament, there was evidence of a reattached or re-formed coracoacromial ligament. In 9 cases there was no other obvious explanation for symptom recurrence, and in 7 cases the coracoacromial ligament might have influenced progression of rotator cuff pathosis. Electron micrographs of a re-formed ligament showed a substantially large amount of large-diameter (> 100 microns) collagen fibrils resembling those of a normal ligament. We conclude that the coracoacromial ligament has an ability to re-form or reattach, whether primarily resected or released, and that this might account for recurrent symptoms.
Bak
K
K
Orthopaedic Research Department, Mercy Private Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Spring
B J
BJ
Henderson
I J
IJ
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D019534:Shoulder Impingement Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome