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New technique for temporary fixation of the acromioclavicular joint yields good outcomes
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Patients with acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations who underwent coracoclavicular cerclage, coracoacromial ligament transfer to the distal third of the clavicle and a new method of fixing a K-wire between the clavicle and scapula showed good outcomes with few complications, according to recently published data.
“The surgical treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation is associated with good clinical and radiographic outcomes,” the authors wrote. “The new fixation method described in this paper provides adequate, strong fixation of the joint, simplifies the surgical procedure and shows a low complication rate.”
Researchers from the Federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, treated 21 consecutive patients with acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations with coracoclavicular cerclage, coracoacromial ligament transfer to the distal third of the clavicle and a new technique of fixation with a K-wire between the clavicle and scapula between January 2003 and April 2005. There were 18 men and 3 women with an average age of 35 years old and average follow-up was 18 months.
The University of California Los Angeles score was satisfactory in 20 patients, excellent in 7 patients and good in 13 patients. The average external rotation was 57° and the average shoulder elevation was 154°. One patient had a prominent K-wire on the posterior shoulder that caused discomfort and another patient had early K-wire loosening, but there was no surgical failure or K-wire migration with the new technique, the authors concluded.
“It is a viable and cost-effective option for the treatment of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations,” the authors wrote. — by Renee Blisard Buddle
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.
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