title: Midterm results of combined acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular reconstruction using nylon tape.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiologic and functional outcomes of an anatomic reconstruction of both acromioclavicular (AC) and coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments in types III to V AC injuries using nylon tape and no metal hardware.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective case-series study was performed on 17 cases with types III to V AC injuries treated by anatomic reconstruction of the AC ligaments (anterior and superior) and CC ligaments (conoid and trapezoid) using nylon tape and no metal hardware. Clinical assessments, radiologic findings, and visual analog scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and Constant scores were recorded for all patients. After a minimum postoperative period of 2 years, all cases were re-evaluated and rescored.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The case-series study comprised 17 cases with types III to V AC injuries. After a mean follow-up period of 28 months (minimum, 24 months), the patients had a significantly improved mean visual analog scale score (from 6.4 to 2.4 points), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (from 25 to 81.7 points), and Constant score (from 21 to 85 points), with overall 88.2% satisfaction. Radiographic superior displacement showed reduction from 13 to 2 mm whereas posterior displacement showed reduction from 5 to 2 mm, and both were statistically significant (P < .05). The rate of return to the patients' preinjury jobs was 82.4%, and there was 1 case of recurrent subluxation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Combined anatomic reconstruction of both AC and CC ligaments using nylon tape by the described technique provides overall 88.2% satisfaction, 94% radiologic reduction, and a low complication rate.
  
  
  METHODS
  Level IV, therapeutic case series.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Ain Shams University, 3 Mokhles El Alfy St., Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt. psobsy@gmail.com
authors.forename: Mohamed H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Sobhy
mesh_terms: D000173:Acromioclavicular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002968:Clavicle; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009757:Nylons; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D012540:Scapula; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D009757:Nylons