Greeley Q: What is the function of the CORACOACROMIAL ligament and what happens when it is destroyed during rotator cuff surgery?
According to Grays Anatomy: This ligament, together with the coracoid process and the acromion, forms a vault for the protection of the head of the humerus. It goes from the coracoid process to the acromion, both of which are prominences on the scapula, one in front and the other behind. In some operations (fewer in recent years) the ligament is cut to offer better access to the area needing repair. There are some reports that the shoulder can be less stable if the ligament has been cut. Its worth a careful assessment of shoulder strength and mobility. For people interested in what the rotator cuff is, and surgery to repair it, there is a very clear interesting site at http://www.medicalmultimediagroup.com/pated/shoulder_problems/cufftearold.
