[Arthroscopic resection of the acromioclavicular joint. Indications--surgical technique--outcome].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to present our experience and results with arthroscopic resection of the acromioclavicular joint.


METHODS
115 patients out of 128 patients could be reevaluated with an average follow-up of 2.8 years. The average patient age was 47.8 years. No patient suffered from a complete rotator cuff tear (type C). In 92 cases ARAC was combined with arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD). The average age of this subgroup was 50.2 years. In 23 patients we performed only an ARAC. These patients had an average age of 31.8 years. At follow-up the patients were evaluated by a modified Constant-Score, a Taft-Score as well as with a visual analog scale (VAS). All patients had standardized x-rays for documentation of joint stability as well as for documentation the amount of bone resection.


RESULTS
The Taft-score at time of follow up reached 9.8 +/- 1.5 points for the total group. In those patients, we had only performed the ARAC the Taft-score reached 10.7 +/- 1.8 points. The same tendency could be documented with the Constant-score. While the Constant-score of the entire group was 82.3 +/- 12.4, patients after ARAC alone scored 93.5 +/- 14.8. The parameters of the Constant-score showed improvement of pain during motion as well as of pain at rest. Power, range of motion as well as bearing weights were not limited prior to surgery and therefore did not show further improvement.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results showed that ARAC is a standardized and reproducible procedure. Patients with unstable joints, however, should not undergo ARAC alone but rather in combination with a stabilizing procedure.
Jerosch
J
J
Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemeine Orthopädie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster.
Schröder
M
M
Schneider
T
T
D000173:Acromioclavicular Joint / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D020679:Arthroscopes; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation; D019723:Endoscopes; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Die arthroskopische Resektion des AC-Gelenkes (ARAC). Indikationen--OP-Technik--Ergebnisse.