Long-term results of acromioclavicular joint coplaning.
OBJECTIVE
Coplaning removes medial acromial spurs and portions of the distal clavicle with an arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD). Concerns exist that this violates inferior acromioclavicular (AC) ligaments and increases AC joint mobility, resulting in long-term problems. The purpose of this study was to re-evaluate 3 cohorts of patients who underwent ASD with various degrees of coplaning and to determine if late AC joint tenderness or reoperation had occurred.


METHODS
Nonrandomized control study.


METHODS
Eighty-one patients undergoing ASD were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (24) underwent removal of inferior clavicle osteophytes, group 2 (34) had a distal clavicle hemiresection with up to 50% of the articular cartilage removed, and group 3 (23) had complete distal clavicle resection. Radiographs, charts, and arthroscopic videotapes were reviewed to determine the amount of clavicle removed. Follow-up evaluations included Constant-Murley, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), SANE, and Rowe shoulder scores with special attention given to AC joint pain and additional procedures.


RESULTS
The average patient age was 46 years (range, 19 to 81 years) and follow-up was 73 months. At follow-up, the average Constant, ASES, Row, and SANE scores were: for group 1, 97.1, 97.5, 96.9, and 95.8, respectively; for group 2, 95.1, 97.4, 96, and 92.8, respectively; and for group 3, 96.3, 98.3, 96.1, and 95.7. No patient required additional shoulder surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Coplaning did not increase AC joint symptoms, compromise clinical results, or lead to additional surgery at an average follow-up of 6 years.


METHODS
Level IV, therapeutic case series study.
Barber
F Alan
FA
Plano Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center, Plano, Texas 75093, USA.
D000173:Acromioclavicular Joint; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001182:Arthroscopy; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019534:Shoulder Impingement Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors