Arthroscopic Transfer of the Conjoined Tendon-Coracoid Tip Complex for Anterior Shoulder Instability

In the treatment of anterior shoulder instability, there are various conditions in which a sling effect is needed to enhance anterior stability. The traditional Bristow-Latarjet procedure provides a sling effect but destroys or does not purposely protect the coracoacromial (CA) arch, which may result in superior instability. To preserve the CA arch and create a sling to enhance the anterior-inferior side of the shoulder, we introduce an arthroscopic technique to transfer the conjoined tendon-coracoid tip complex (CTCTC) with the intention to keep the CA ligament intact to the utmost. The indications for CTCTC transfer are patients younger than 45 years who participate in competitive sports, require forceful external rotation and abduction movements of the shoulder, and/or have capsule-ligament insufficiency. The main steps of this procedure include detaching the CTCTC, fashioning the coracoid tip to obtain a coracoid pillar, braiding the CTCTC, creating a glenoid tunnel and socket, placing a guide suture through the glenoid tunnel and subscapularis, passing the CTCTC through the subscapularis and into the glenoid socket, and performing suspension fixation of the CTCTC.