Coracoacromial ligament section under ultrasonographic control: a cadaveric study on 20 cases

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Musculoskeletal Anatomy
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• The coracoacromial ligament is implicated in subacromial impingement syndrome.
• Current treatments often involve surgical ligament sectioning, sometimes with acromioplasty or debridement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and safety of ultrasound-guided coracoacromial ligament sectioning.
• To assess the efficacy of this minimally invasive approach in cadaveric specimens.

Main Methods:

• Coracoacromial ligament sectioning was performed under ultrasound guidance on 20 cadaveric shoulders.
• Procedures involved locating structures via ultrasound and making a small skin incision for sectioning.
• Post-procedure checks assessed ligament transection, vascular integrity, and surrounding tissue damage.

Main Results:

• The mean procedure time was 18.5 minutes.
• Complete ligament sectioning was achieved in 85% of cases.
• No significant rotator cuff or cartilage lesions occurred; only 2 minor vascular lesions were noted despite Doppler limitations.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound-guided coracoacromial ligament sectioning is a rapid, less invasive alternative to open surgery.
• This technique offers potential new treatment options for coracoid and subacromial impingement.
• Proficiency requires a learning curve and strong ultrasound skills.