Coracoid process x-ray investigation before Latarjet procedure: a radioanatomic study

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a preoperative radiologic assessment of the coracoid process is predictive of the amount of bone available for coracoid transfer by the Latarjet procedure.

Thirty-five patients with anterior instability undergoing a Latarjet procedure were included. A preoperative radiologic assessment was performed with the Bernageau and true anteroposterior (true AP) views.

The length of the coracoid process was measured on both radiographic views and the values were compared with the length of the bone block during surgery. Statistical analysis was carried out by ANOVA and Wilcoxon tests (P < .05).

On radiologic examination, the mean coracoid process length was 29 ± 4 and 33 ± 4 mm on the Bernageau and true AP views, respectively. The mean bone block length during surgery was 21.6 ± 2.7 mm. A significant correlation was found (P = .032) between the coracoid process length on the true AP view and the intraoperative bone block length.

Preoperative planning for the Latarjet procedure, including graft orientation and screw placement, requires knowledge of the length of coracoid bone available for transfer. This can be facilitated with the use of preoperative standard radiographs, thus avoiding computed tomography. This planning allows the detection of coracoid process anatomic variations or the analysis of the remaining part of the coracoid process after failure of a first Latarjet procedure to avoid an iliac bone graft.

Radiologic preoperative coracoid process measurement is an easy, reliable method to aid preoperative planning of the Latarjet procedure in primary surgery and reoperations.