What Is a Coracoid Decompression?

Coracoid decompression is a surgical technique used to relieve the pain and inhibition of motion that typify coracoid impingement in the shoulder. The coracoid process is one of the bones that stabilize the shoulder joint.

Definition

• The coracoid process is a small bone attached to the back of the scapula, under the top of the deltoid muscle.

Indications for Surgery

• Coracoid impingement occurs when the space between the coracoid process and the humeral head is crowded or encroached upon. Tenderness, inhibition of motion and a "clicking" sensation with movement can all be symptoms of this type of impingement.

Surgical Procedure

• In this arthroscopic procedure, tendons are removed from the tip of the coracoid, a small part of the tip is removed, and the tendons are re-attached to the remaining bone.

Effects

• Coracoid decompression creates more space for the tendons to move, relieving tension, pain and inhibition of motion.

Alternative Reason

• The surgery is also sometimes undertaken to repair small tears in the subscapularis tendon.