title: Functional Outcomes of Type V Acromioclavicular Injuries With Nonsurgical Treatment.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study investigated nonsurgical management of type V acromioclavicular (AC) injuries to determine functional outcomes and to attempt to identify factors associated with positive results.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a retrospective chart review, patients with radiographic and clinical evidence of type V AC injuries per the Rockwood classification were included in the study. Patients treated nonsurgically for ≥6 months were considered eligible for analysis. Functional outcomes were assessed using Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-two patients with a mean age of 42.2 ± 12.8 years were included in the study. The average coracoclavicular distance at the time of presentation was 26.3 mm (+199%). Mean DASH and ASES scores were 27.8 ± 17.7 and 62.8 ± 17.1, respectively, at an average of 34 months from the time of injury. Patients with normal DASH (≤10) and ASES (>92) scores were younger than those with abnormal scores. At final assessment, 77% of the patients were currently working, with nine patients performing manual labor.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Following nonsurgical management of type V AC injuries, most patients are able to return to work but have limited functional outcome scores. A small subset of patients with type V AC injuries can achieve normal functional outcomes with nonsurgical management.
  
  
  METHODS
  Level IV, Case Series.
authors: From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
authors: Taylor R
authors: TR
authors: Dunphy
authors: Dhanur
authors: D
authors: Damodar
authors: Nathanael D
authors: ND
authors: Heckmann
authors: Lakshmanan
authors: L
authors: Sivasundaram
authors: Reza
authors: R
authors: Omid
authors: George F
authors: GF
authors: Hatch
mesh_terms: D000173:Acromioclavicular Joint / Q000293:injuries*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000070599:Shoulder Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome