title: Surgical treatment of chronic acromioclavicular dislocation with biologic graft vs synthetic ligament: a prospective randomized comparative study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Acromioclavicular (AC) dislocation involves complete loss of articular contact; it is defined as chronic when it follows conservative management or unsuccessful surgical treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study compared the clinical and radiographic outcomes of AC joint stabilization performed in 40 patients with chronic dislocation using a biological allograft (group A) or a synthetic ligament (group B). Demographic data included: M/F: 25/15; mean age: 35 ± 3.2 years; previous surgery in 11 patients, including Weaver-Dunn (3), coracoacromial ligament repair (4), stabilization with K-wires (4). Dislocation was type III in 14 (35 %) and type IV in 26 (65 %) patients. Clinical assessment was with the Constant-Murley score (pre- and postoperative) and with the modified UCLA score. Enrollment started in January 2004 and was completed in March 2008. Patients were evaluated at 1 and 4 years. Postoperative X-rays were examined to assess joint stability in the coronal and axial planes, coracoclavicular ossification, and signs of AC joint osteoarthritis and distal clavicular osteolysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The "biological" group achieved significantly better clinical scores than the "synthetic" group at both 1 and 4 years. Poor subjective satisfaction and lower clinical scores were found in the 3 patients (1 from group A and 2 from group B) who experienced complete postoperative dislocation. No significant correlations were found with other radiographic parameters.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The biological graft afforded better clinical and radiographic outcomes than the synthetic ligament in patients with chronic AC joint instability. Fixation to the clavicle constitutes the main weakness of both approaches and needs improving.
authors: Unit of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, D. Cervesi Hospital, Via L. Van Beethoven 1, 47841, Cattolica, RN, Italy, f.fauci@libero.it.
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Fauci
authors: Giovanni
authors: G
authors: Merolla
authors: Paolo
authors: P
authors: Paladini
authors: Fabrizio
authors: F
authors: Campi
authors: Giuseppe
authors: G
authors: Porcellini
mesh_terms: D000173:Acromioclavicular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D000328:Adult; D001168:Arthritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001863:Bone Screws; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002968:Clavicle / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D010012:Osteogenesis; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D011859:Radiography; D013710:Tendons / Q000637:transplantation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing
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