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Clinical results for fixation of AC joint dislocations likely not better than conservative care
Hook plate fixation yielded better radiographic alignment, but not better clinical outcomes compared with nonoperative treatment in patients with acute complete dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint, according to results of this study.
Researchers randomly assigned 83 patients with acute complete dislocation of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint to receive either operative repair with hook plate fixation using devices from Synthes Canada or nonoperative treatment. Main outcome measures included DASH score at 1 year after injury, a complete clinical assessment, Constant score and radiographic evaluation at 6 weeks, and at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months.
Michael D. McKee
Results showed no demographic differences and similar mechanisms of injury between the hook plate fixation and nonoperative groups. At 6 weeks and 3 months, researchers found significantly better DASH scores in the nonoperative group. However, no significant differences were found between the groups at 6 months, 1 year or 2 years after injury, according to study results.
Although the nonoperative group experienced better Constant scores at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months, researchers found no significant differences between the hook plate fixation and nonoperative groups after 6 months. Results showed better radiographic results in the hook plate fixation group, but a significantly lower reoperation rate was seen in the nonoperative group. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.