Biomechanical evaluation of coracoid tunnel size and location for coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction

Sean T. Campbell, Nathanael D. Heckmann, Sang Jin Shin, Lawrence C. Wang, Mallika Tamboli, Joel Murachovsky, James E. Tibone, Thay Q. Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of coracoid tunnel size and location on the biomechanical characteristics of cortical button fixation for coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction. Methods Thirteen matched pairs of cadaveric scapulae were used to determine the effects of coracoid tunnel size, and 6 matched pairs were used to determine the effects of coracoid tunnel location. For tunnel size, a 4.5-mm hole was drilled in the base of the coracoid of one scapula and a 6-mm hole was drilled in the contralateral scapula. For tunnel location, 2 holes were drilled: (1) The first group received a hole centered in the coracoid base and a hole 1.5 cm distal from the first, along the axis of the coracoid. (2) The second group received holes that were offset anteromedially from the first set of holes (base eccentric and distal eccentric). A cortical button-suture tape construct was placed through each tunnel, and constructs were then loaded to failure. Results For tunnel size specimens, load at ultimate failure was significantly greater for the 4.5-mm group compared with the 6-mm group (557.6 ± 48.5 N v 466.9 ± 42.2 N, P <.05). For tunnel location, load at ultimate failure was significantly greater for the centered-distal tunnel group compared with the eccentric-distal group (538.1 ± 70.2 N v 381.0 ± 68.6 N, P <.05). Conclusions A 4.5-mm tunnel in the coracoid provided greater strength for cortical button fixation than a 6-mm tunnel. In the distal coracoid, centered tunnels provided greater strength than eccentric tunnels. Clinical Relevance When performing cortical button fixation at the coracoid process for coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction, a 4.5-mm tunnel provides greater fixation strength than a 6-mm tunnel. The base of the coracoid is more forgiving than the distal coracoid regarding location.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)825-830
Number of pages6
JournalArthroscopy - Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery
Volume31
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 May 2015

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 Arthroscopy Association of North America.

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