Arthroscopic Trillat Coracoid Transfer Procedure Using a Cortical Button for Chronic Anterior Shoulder Instability

Abstract

The Trillat procedure has been proposed to treat chronic anterior shoulder instability by performing a closing wedge osteotomy of the coracoid process fixed with a coracoscapular screw above the subscapularis. The goal of this osteotomy is to distalize and medialize the coracoid tip to place the conjoint tendon in front of the glenohumeral joint. This in turn distalizes and reinforces the subscapularis in abduction and allows the conjoint tendon to act as a sling and push the humeral head posteriorly. It is commonly accepted to perform this surgery for patients with chronic shoulder anterior instability associated with massive irreparable rotator cuff tear (to preserve and retension the residual subscapularis muscle) or in patients with anterior instability and hyperlaxity. We present a less invasive arthroscopic technique for this procedure. This arthroscopic technique allows assessment and treatment of associated lesions and allows for intraoperative assessment of the subscapularis after the coracoid process is moved to prevent subcoracoid impingement and loss of external rotation.