Arthroscopic Trillat Procedure: A Guided Technique

Abstract

The Trillat procedure is a surgical treatment for recurrent anterior shoulder instability in the setting of significant or irreparable rotator cuff tears in elderly patients. The procedure comprises an inferior closing wedge partial osteotomy of the coracoid process with fixation to the glenoid neck. This results in a lowered and medialized coracoid process that acts as a bone block and the conjoint tendon is brought closer to the glenohumeral joint, thus closing the subcoracoid space, which blocks humeral dislocation. We describe an arthroscopic step-by-step guided Trillat technique that is simple, efficient, and reproducible, while minimizing risk in the extra-articular subcoracoid space. Our technique does not require the release of the pectoralis minor tendon from the coracoid process, which reduces the risk of damaging the brachial plexus. We use a tight-rope fixation construct that allows progressive transfer of the coracoid process, limiting fracture risk and the risk of overtightening of the subscapularis muscle. Because there is a trend for more complex procedures being performed arthroscopically, it is important to develop and simplify operative techniques, aiding surgeons in achieving reproducible and reliable patient outcomes.