Transacromial extra-articular Knowles pin fixation treatment of acute type V acromioclavicular joint injuries.
BACKGROUND
Type V acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations need surgical treatment. This report described a new transacromial extra-articular Knowles pin fixation method to treat this very unstable dislocations to analyze this treatment. The hypothesis is that the results would be improved.


METHODS
Thirteen consecutive patients with type V AC joint dislocations within 9 days of injuries were treated by open reduction transacromial extra-articular Knowles fixation, AC ligament repair, coracoclavicular (CC) ligament repair, CC augmentation sutures. All of them received postoperative arm sling supports for 3 weeks. The radiographic and clinical follow-up was at least 23 months. A modified Constant-Murley score was used for evaluation of bilateral shoulder functions.


RESULTS
All AC ligaments were torn at the clavicle sides. All CC ligament were torn at the mid-substances. The anterior deltoid insertions and the superior-posterior trapezius insertions to the clavicles were torn. Radio-lucent zones around the pins 1 mm to 3 mm were noted in all patients before pin removal. Lateral pin migration 1 mm to 2 mm were noted in nine patients before pin removal. Nine patients had increase of CC distances 1 mm to 4 mm at follow-up. Six patients had CC space calcifications. The mean modified Constant-Murley score of the injured shoulders was 94.5 +/- 2.7, the mean score of the uninjured shoulders was 93.9 +/- 1.3, which was not statistically different.


CONCLUSIONS
The transacromial extra-artocular Knowles pin fixation method is a reliable method to treat acute type V AC joint dislocations.
Wang
Shyu-Jye
SJ
Department of Orthopaedics, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China. reoulioushu@yahoo.com.tw
Wong
Chih-Shung
CS
D000173:Acromioclavicular Joint / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001858:Bone Nails; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000601:surgery*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000453:epidemiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome