Regeneration of the coracoacromial ligament after acromioplasty and arthroscopic subacromial decompression

The clinical observation of apparent and complete regeneration of the coracoacromial ligament after known partial excision of the ligament and acromioplasty has been investigated. Ten patients who had open revision surgery following failure of symptomatic relief after arthroscopic subacromial decompression were studied. All of them had acromioplasty with documented partial resection of the coracoacromial ligament at the first operation. There were 5 men and 5 women with an average age of 54.5 years (range, 44-65 years). In all patients surgery revealed a ligamentous structure resembling the coracoacromial ligament that was attached to the anterior acromion. Histology in all patients revealed appearances indistinguishable from normal ligament, which was in continuity with the reformed periosteum of the acromion. (J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2001;10:317-20.)