[Pseudarthrosis of the coracoid process after dislocation of the shoulder]

The aim of this study is to present an unusual lesion combining instability of the shoulder with a fracture of the coracoid process.

The authors have treated one case of recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder associated with pseudarthrosis of the coracoid process. The shoulder was stabilised by surgery using the Latarjet procedure.

The association of an anterior dislocation of the shoulder and pseudarthrosis of the coracoid process is very unusual. It is often unrecognized because of poor knowledge of this lesion or poor quality of the radiographs performed in the emergency room. The most likely mecanism is a direct impact of the humeral head against the coracoid process during the dislocation. The diagnosis requires good quality radiographs. When the shoulder is painful or unstable, surgical treatment is performed and the Latarjet procedure takes care of both the pseudarthrosis and the instability of the shoulder.