title: Comparative study on the treatment of Rockwood type III acute acromioclavicular dislocation: Clinical results from the TightRope®technique vs. K-wire fixation.
abstract: The aim of this study was to address the inconsistency regarding the operative treatment of Rockwood type III acromioclavicular joint separation. We compared results after single- and double TightRope®reduction with results after acromioclavicular transfixation via K-wires only and additional ligament augmentation in acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations graded Rockwood type III, and hypothesized that the TightRope®technique leads to better clinical and radiological results.
  
  
  
  We conducted a retrospective clinical cohort study and included 42 consecutive patients (mean age 43 years [24-66]) diagnosed and operatively treated between 2004 and 2012 (mean follow-up was 54.6 months [15-118]). Specific shoulder scores as well as scores reflecting the patients' overall mental and physical health status were used. Radiological evaluation was also performed.
  
  
  
  The SF12 test revealed comparability between all subgroups. Specific shoulder tests and a visual analogue scale demonstrated comparable results. Radiographic measurements showed a significant reduction in the AC distance and CC distance after surgery in all subgroups. The early complication rate was 9.5% for all patients, while late complications occurred in 14.3% of all cases.
  
  
  
  Compared to the established methods, the operative TightRope®procedures represent a safe alternative in Rockwood III injuries. All investigated techniques predominantly led to good and excellent clinical results in acute Rockwood type III AC joint instabilities. Avoidance of material removal and shorter hospital stays appear to speak in favour for the TightRope®technique.
  
  
  
  IV.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Trauma at Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany. Electronic address: khorst@ukaachen.de.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Horst
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Unfall-, Schulter- und Handchirurgie, Krankenhaus Agatharied, Norbert-Kerkel-Platz, 83734 Hausham, Germany.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Garving
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Trauma at Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Thometzki
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Trauma at Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lichte
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Trauma at Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Knobe
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Trauma at Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dienstknecht
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Trauma at Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hofman
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Trauma at Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: H-C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Pape
mesh_terms: D000173:Acromioclavicular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001864:Bone Wires; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Acromioclavicular joint separation; K-wire; Radiological evaluation; Rockwood III follow-up; TightRope(®) technique