Publication:

A long term functional and radiological outcome assessment study of management of high grade acromioclavicular joint injury

Background Acromioclavicular joint dislocation (ACD) of Rockwood types III and above require surgical intervention. We used a unique technique for CC interval fixation using endobutton with two separate small incisions, which did not need dissection through the joint at all. It replaces the anatomical course of conoid and trapezoid part of the CC ligament. The purpose of the present study was to describe an innovative method of fixation and evaluate its functional outcome using subjective as well as objective measures. We aimed to determine whether this fixation method could be an optimal alternative to address this injury.

Methods A total of 24 patients were enrolled for this prospective longitudinal study. Coraco-clavicular distance was calculated radiologically preoperatively and at the final follow up.  Clinically, the final outcome was assessed using the Shoulder Constant score and visual analogue scale (VAS) for residual pain at the final follow up.

Results There was no statistically significant difference between the two shoulders and results were considered as an excellent in terms of constant shoulder score. The VAS was 0.42 (0-1) at final follow-up. The coraco-clavicular distance (CC) reduced significantly postoperatively and was comparable to the contralateral side.

Conclusions Our study results suggested that this is a simple, safe and effective technique which needed minimal dissection.