A biodegradable expansion plug for fixation of the coracoid bone block in the Bristow-Latarjet operation

In a prospective study, 33 patients with recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder were treated by a modified Bristow-Latarjet operation using a biodegradable poly-L-lactide expansion plug to fix the transferred coracoid bone block. The mean follow up was 12 months. No redislocations occurred. To assess incorporation of the bone block, serial CT scans were obtained in 18 randomly selected patients and 15 showed solid fusion. The shape of the implant was not affected by degradation during the first 18 months and there were no signs of inflammatory foreign body reaction. This type of plug avoids the complications which have necessitated the removal of metal devices and is a promising new method of fixing the transferred coracoid.