Abstract
Aim: Distal clavicle excision (DCE) is the treatment of choice for A–C joint arthritis.The overall complication rate for open, isolated DCE is higher than previously reported.
Distal clavicle excision (DCE) is the treatment of choice for A–C joint arthritis. Isolated DCE., as an open procedure has been considered to be a safe procedure, and it is the gold standard for comparison for arthroscopic distal clavicle excision. This study attempts to define the incidence of complications after isolated, open DCE.
Materials & Methods: This prospective, non-randomized study included 702 patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder. 580 patients were included in the control group. All patients underwent a thorough preoperative evaluation and final diagnosis was given after arthroscopic evaluation. There were 42 patients with isolated A–C joint arthritis, which underwent an open D.C.E. Mean follow up was 16.7 months. There were 30 men and 12 women with a mean age of 42,6 (± 12,5) years. The dominant arm was involved in 30 patients. 16 patients participated in sports while 9 of them were competitive athletes. 38 (90%) patients had symptomatic arthritis, 2(5%) cases were of osteolysis and separation arthritis each.
Results: 22 (52%) of the 42 patients developed complications. There were 2 deep infections and 2 stitches abscesses. 4 (9.5%) patients developed a stiff shoulder and 1(2.4%) patient developed heterotopic ossification. 16 (38%) patients had tenderness in A–C joint for a period over 3 months while 6 (14%) patients had local tenderness at the last follow up. Painful scar was present in 2 (5%) patients over 3 months.
Conclusions: The overall complication rate for open, isolated DCE is higher than previously reported. Patients should be advised of these possibilities and this study serves as a baseline for comparison for future study.
Correspondence should be addressed to Ms Larissa Welti, Scientific Secretary, EFORT Central Office, Technoparkstrasse 1, CH-8005 Zürich, Switzerland
