Functional outcome of acromioclavicular joint injury in polytrauma patients.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the functional outcome of displaced acromioclavicular (AC) injuries in polytrauma patients.


METHODS
A matched, case-control study using a prospectively gathered trauma database.


METHODS
Twelve polytrauma patients with a concomitant displaced acromioclavicular joint injury were matched to polytrauma patients without an acromioclavicular joint injury and to patients with an isolated displaced acromioclavicular joint injury. They were evaluated with a series of five shoulder questionnaires and the SF-36 general health status questionnaire.


RESULTS
Shoulder function in polytrauma/acromioclavicular joint injured patients was consistently worse than in control patients with an isolated acromioclavicular joint injury. In addition, the presence of an acromioclavicular joint injury in a polytrauma patient had a negative effect on several components of the SF-36.


CONCLUSIONS
A displaced acromioclavicular joint injury in a polytrauma patient has a greater effect on shoulder function than isolated acromioclavicular joint injuries when evaluated by both disease-specific and general health outcomes. Standard treatment methods may be inadequate for this group of patients.
Gallay
S H
SH
Upper Extremity Reconstructive Service, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Hupel
T M
TM
Beaton
D E
DE
Schemitsch
E H
EH
McKee
M D
MD
D000173:Acromioclavicular Joint / Q000293:injuries*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009104:Multiple Trauma; D012782:Shoulder / Q000503:physiopathology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome