Computed tomography analysis of the coracoid process and anatomic structures of the shoulder after arthroscopic coracoid decompression: a cadaveric study.

Abstract

The purpose of this anatomic study is to define the morphologic changes of the coracoid and surrounding soft tissue after arthroscopic coracoid decompression. We obtained 5 fresh-frozen forequarter cadaveric specimens, 3 female and 2 male, with a mean age of 86.2 years. Arthroscopic coracoid decompression was performed, and intraarticular pathology was documented. Preoperative and postoperative measures of coracoid overlap, coracoid index, and coracohumeral distance were made on limited-cut axial computed tomography scans. Dissection was performed to assess anatomic relationships after coracoid decompression. Arthroscopic findings revealed subscapularis pathology and glenohumeral arthritis in all specimens, long head of biceps pathology in 3, and supraspinatus pathology in 2. Gross dissection confirmed the pathologic findings. Arthroscopic coracoid decompression effectively improves coracoid overlap, coracoid index, and coracohumeral distance. The adjacent major neurovascular structures are at a safe distance from the decompression site.