Arthroscopically assisted treatment of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation: Additional repair of acromioclavicular capsule yields to better results compared to coracoclavicular stabilization alone

Abstract text (incl. references and figure legends)

Introduction:

Biomechanical evidence raise the importance of acromioclavicular (AC) capsule for the proper function of AC joint complex. The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of arthroscopically assisted treatment of acute AC joint dislocation comparing two surgical techniques: double coracoclavicular (CC) stabilization alone versus additional direct AC capsule repair.

Material & Methods:

Retrospective cohort study was conducted on forty-seven patients with acute AC joint dislocation grade Rockwood V. The first cohort (group A) of 22 patients (1 f/21 m; mean age 36,9, range 20-57) was treated with arthroscopically assisted technique using double suspension system for CC stabilization. The second cohort (group B) consisted of 25 patients (3 f/ 22 m; mean age 35,7, range 20-54) and was treated in same manner but with additional direct AC capsule repair using suture anchor. In both groups, deltotrapezoid fascia was repaired as well. At the follow up of 1 year radiological and functional results were evaluated. Bilateral anteroposterior (ap) view, modified Alexander view, relative constant score (CS), shoulder subjective value (SSV) and simple shoulder test (SST) were obtained.

Results:

Mean CC distance difference between healthy and affected side measured 2,7 mm in group A and 0,7 mm in group B. Dynamic posterior instability of AC joint was detected in 35% of patients in group A and 13% in group B. Functional results for group A and group B were: relative CS 85 vs 96, SSV 96 vs 95 and SST 11,6 vs 11,8 respectively. Functional results were not statistically different between the groups.

Conclusions:

Coracoclavicular stabilization with double suture-button suspension system with additional AC capsule repair yields to better results compared to the same CC stabilization alone. Complete repair of AC joint dislocation addressing the AC capsule shows better radiological results regarding static vertical and dynamic posterior instability.

Disclosure: Do you have a significant financial interest, consultancy or other relationship with products, manufacturer(s) of products or providers of services related to this abstract? (If not, please enter "No" in the text field.)

No