Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Computed tomography analysis of the coracoid process and anatomic structures of the shoulder after arthroscopic
Kenneth D Kleist1, Michael Q Freehill, Linsey Hamilton
1Department of Orthopedics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography
Computed Tomography
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
Muscles of the Shoulder
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...

