Abstract
Acromioclavicular joint dislocations (Grade 3) present challenging problems for the treating surgeon. We propose a retrospective radio clinical analysis of long-term outcome in a series of surgically treated patients to determine the long-term effects of the procedure on the acromioclavicular joint and possible implications for initial therapeutic decision.
Twenty patients were reviewed at a mean 45, 5 months after surgery (range 8 – 85 months). Mean age at surgery was 45, 8 years. All had an Allmon grade 3 acromioclavicular dislocation. All had early surgery for open reduction of acromioclavicular dislocation and temporary stabilization with two parallel transacromioclavicular pins and a wire (tension band).
Two patients had a postoperative complication: one wound dehiscence and one fracture of the wire. The subjective outcome was in 12 patients. In one patient we had redislocation and in two patients we had joint stiffnes. Radiographically there were 4 cases with acromioclavicular osteoarthritis and there were coracoclavicular ossification in all patients.
Surgical repair of grade 3 acromioclavicular dislocation by transacromioclavicular pinning without ligament suture, gave in this series satisfactory functional and subjective results that remained stable over time.
Correspondence should be addressed to 8 Martiou Str. Panorama, Thessaloniki PC:55236, Greece.
