A procedure for anterior instability (dislocation) of the shoulder with very low failure rates and excellent clinical results.
A small 5 cm incision is made at the front of the shoulder. A small piece of bone from the front of your scapula called the coracoid is transferred to the front of your glenoid (socket) to prevent the humerus from dislocating in a forwards direction. The procedure takes approximately 60 minutes.
Xrays an MRI and sometimes a CT scan are often required in addition to assessment by a shoulder specialist to determine if the procedure is appropriate for you. Usually done in the setting of multiple dislocations and if patients wish to continue to play some form of contact sport or require full clearance for work such as in the armed forces.
The procedure is usually a day case. A sling is recommended for 2-4 weeks. Resumption of non-contact activities is rapid. No contact sports are recommended for a minimum of 3 months after the bone has healed.
Immediate gentle range of motion exercises with no restrictions though avoidance of excessive external rotation is recommended. Strengthening can recommence after 4 weeks with light weights and be increased at the 8 week mark. Recommencement of collision activities after 3-4 months after review.
There is a very low risk of recurrence dislocation ( 1%). Failure of the graft to heal and metalwork issues occur in < 5%. Nerve injury occurs in 1% but this is commonly temporary.
Excellent clinical outomes occur in over 85% of patients
