Coracoid Block (Latarjet Procedure)
What is shoulder instability?
Under normal conditions, the head of the humerus remains in contact with the glenoid of the scapula whatever position the arm is in and the shoulder is said to be stable. This stability is ensured by different anatomical components: ligaments, which are ropes connecting the scapula to the humerus, and the labrum. The latter is an elastic rim around the glenoid that acts as a sucker on the head of the humerus.
We talk of shoulder instability when it “dislocates”, in other words when the contact between the head of the humerus (arm bone) and the joint cavity in the scapula (glenoid) is lost. We talk of shoulder dislocation when the head of the humerus cannot return to its normal position on its own and requires external assistance. Sometimes, the shoulder feels as if it is dislocated but immediately and spontaneously returns to its normal position. This is known as a subluxation.
Anterior shoulder dislocation is the most common, whereas posterior shoulder dislocation is very rare. Dislocations or subluxations are usually caused by throwing movements, that is when the arm is lifted up and back, which is referred to as “cocking the arm“.
The first dislocation is often accidental. However, dislocations can then occur again during less and less violent movements.
Significant ligament elasticity, known as ligament laxity, can increase shoulder instability.
What are the consequences of shoulder instability?
Shoulder dislocations damage the anatomical components ensuring joint stability: ligaments, labrum. Furthermore, fractures of the head of the humerus or the glenoid can occur during dislocations.
These dislocations decrease shoulder stability and increase the risk of relapses. This is known as chronic instability or recurrent dislocation.
When should you consult?
Shoulder instability can be an issue when doing some sports such as swimming, handball or tennis, and dislocations can occur during competitions. Patients who have dislocated their shoulder several times often develop apprehension when cocking their arm; they are very wary of putting their arm up and back in case the shoulder dislocates.
Sometimes, after one or several dislocations, there is no apprehension but the shoulder is painful. This is referred to as a unstable painful shoulder.
When the apprehension or the pain becomes troublesome, it can be useful to consult to assess the damage and look at possible treatments.
What examinations are necessary?
The different examinations aim to assess the damage caused by the dislocations and choose the most suitable operation to stabilise the shoulder.
The examinations must include x-rays to see if there are any fractures of the glenoid or the head of the humerus. A CT arthrogram, which is a scan with the injection of an x-ray contrast medium in the shoulder, is often performed as well to visualise any damage to the labrum.
What is a coracoid block (Latarjet procedure)?
With recurrent dislocations that disrupt work-life or sports activities, a coracoid block can be proposed. A coracoid block is an operation to stabilise the shoulder in the case of anterior dislocation.
This operation consists in removing part of the coracoid process, a natural bone projection on the shoulder blade located near the glenohumeral joint. This bony projection is cut leaving the conjoint tendon and coracoacromial ligament attached to it. It is then attached using 1 or 2 screws to the front of the glenoid where it should normally fuse.
Stabilisation is achieved thanks to a triple effect. Firstly, it is linked to the transfer of the conjoint tendon, which creates a dynamic sling preventing the head of the humerus from dislocating when the arm is lifted up and back into the position in which the shoulder normally dislocates. Furthermore, the position of the block increases the surface of the glenoid, which also participates in stabilisation. Finally, the joint capsule, which is the envelope around the joint, and the ligaments are tightened and sutured to the coracoacromial ligament still inserted in the coracoid.
What are the limits of the operation?
The block aims to stabilise the shoulder as much as possible. However, a dislocation is still possible, especially in the case of a major impact or a particularly violent movement. Relapse depends on the condition of the joint at the time of the operation and the use of the shoulder in daily life.
The relapse rate after a block is approximately 3%.
What are the risks if left untreated?
If left untreated, there is a risk that the shoulder will dislocate more and more frequently with increasingly trivial movements. These dislocations cause increasingly severe damage that can result in the poor ageing of the shoulder (osteoarthritis) and make the surgery less effective.
The operation
Before the operation
Before the operation, a pre-anaesthesia consultation and a pre-operative assessment are conducted to check the patient is physically apt to undergo the operation and minimise the risk of postoperative complications.
The operation
The operation takes place in an operating theatre in compliance with strict standards of cleanliness and safety. The patient is placed supine on an operating table. The operation lasts about 1 hour and is carried out under general anaesthesia, which is often combined with an interscalene nerve block. This additional anaesthetic maintains the shoulder and arm numb for several hours and limits postoperative pain.
A vertical incision approximately 5 centimetres long is made above the armpit on the anterior side of the shoulder. At the end of the procedure, a suction drain is often inserted in the incision to prevent the formation of a bruise.
After the operation
The shoulder is numbed with an interscalene block for 12 to 18 hours. Medication and ice also provide effective postoperative pain management.
The surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure (leave hospital the day of the operation) or with a short stay of 1 to 2 days. The patient can return home when discharged.
The shoulder is kept in an orthopaedic sling for 6 weeks. Gentle, passive rehabilitation begins in the week following the operation to stop the shoulder from getting stiff. It is then intensified from the 6th week after the operation and is often coompleted in the 3rd month after the operation.
When the patient is discharged from the clinic, a consultation with follow-up x-rays is scheduled with the surgeon 4 to 6 weeks after the operation to check the block has not moved and the shoulder is healing well. A second check-up is generally recommended approximately 3 months after the operation.
The duration of medical leaves depends on the patient’s profession but generally varies between 1½ and 2 months. It is longer for manual work.
Driving can be resumed 2 months after the operation.
Sports can be resumed using the shoulder operated on approximately 4 to 6 months after the operation.
Risks linked to the operation
Unfortunately, zero risk does not exist in surgery. Any operation has its risks and limitations, which you must accept or not undergo the operation. However, if an operation is proposed, the surgeon and the anaesthetist consider that the expected benefits far outweigh the risk incurred.
Some risks, such as microbial infections of the surgical site, are common to all types of surgery. Fortunately, this complication is rare but when it occurs requires another operation and a course of antibiotics. Bruising can also appear around the surgical site. This is usually prevented or reduced with a suction drain inserted at the end of the operation and removed in the days following the operation. However, in the case of severe bleeding during or following the operation, another operation to stop the haemorrhage or a blood transfusion may be required.
Blood clots can form in the veins in the arm (thrombophlebitis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism). If the anaesthetist considers the risk high, you may be given a treatment to prevent this.
In rare cases, the shoulder remains stiff, hot, and painful for several months after the operation. This complication, known as algodystrophy or Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), is unpredictable and sometimes takes a long time to heal.
Other rarer complications can also occur. Blood vessels (arteries, veins) can be accidentally damaged and will require vascular surgery (bypass). Nerves can also be damaged accidentally during the operation with a risk of paralysis or loss of feeling in the limb operated on, which can be transitory or permanent.
Finally, the block may not heal and may be torn off with time and the strain.
If you have any concerns about the operation, do not hesitate to talk to your surgeon or the anaesthetist and they will answer any questions you may have.
In summary...
When is surgery necessary?
In the case of recurrent shoulder dislocations
Aim of the operation
Stabilise the shoulder
Which anaesthesia?
General
Duration of hospitalisation
Outpatient or short stay (1 to 2 nights)
Postoperative immobilization
Orthopaedic sling for 6 weeks
Duration of rehabilitation
2 to 3 months
Duration of medical leave
6 to 8 weeks in the case of sedentary work, longer for manual work
Resumption of car driving
2 months after the operation
Resumption of sport
4 to 6 months after the operation
Make an appointment
please do not hesitate to contact us or make an appointment online via DoctoLib