Restoration of horizontal stability in complete acromioclavicular joint separations: surgical technique and preliminary results.
BACKGROUND
Our purpose was to investigate the clinical efficacy of arthroscope-assisted acromioclavicular ligament reconstruction in combination with double endobutton coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction for the treatment of complete acromioclavicular joint dislocation.


METHODS
During the period from February 2010 to October 2012, ten patients with Rockwood types IV and V acromioclavicular joint dislocation were hospitalized and nine were treated with acromioclavicular ligament reconstruction combined with double endobutton of coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction. The improvement in shoulder functions was assessed using a Constant score and visual analog scale (VAS) system.


RESULTS
The mean follow-up period was 33.6 ± 5.4 months. The mean Constant scores improved from 25.2 ± 6.6 preoperatively to 92.4 ± 6.5 postoperatively, while the mean VAS score decreased from 5.9 ± 1.4 to 1.2 ± 0.9; significant differences were observed. The final follow-up revealed that excellent outcomes were achieved in eight patients and good outcome in two patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Arthroscope-assisted acromioclavicular ligament reconstruction in combination with double endobutton of coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction is an effective approach for treatment of acute complete acromioclavicular joint dislocation.
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, 100 Haining Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai 200080, China. lihaoqing@medmail.com.cn.
Haoqing
H
Li
Chuanshun
C
Wang
Jiandong
J
Wang
Kai
K
Wu
Donghua
D
Hang
D000173:Acromioclavicular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D012783:Shoulder Dislocation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D064232:Visual Analog Scale