Arthroscopic “Wallow” Procedure for Resection of Symptomatic Os Acromiale Pseudoarthrosis

Abstract

Os acromiale is a relatively common anatomic variant that can occasionally be associated with shoulder pain. Several surgical options to address a symptomatic os acromiale that has failed nonoperative treatment have been described. Published techniques, however, are often very invasive, technically challenging, and carry the risk of potential complications that can be difficult to manage. The technique presented here describes a relatively simple arthroscopic alternative, coined by the authors as the “Wallow technique” due to the fact that the arthroscopic shaver is used to rotate within and resect the os site, that results in complete resection of the os acromiale pseudoarthrosis and avoids the need for an open approach or the use of implants.