Abstract
Seven cases of acromioclavicular dislocation (Tossy classification Grade3) were treated using our original procedure since 1997. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the clinical results of this method. The average age of these patients (6 men, 1 woman) was 36.6 years (12 to 48 years). The average follow-up was 12 months (7 to 15 months).
Under the image intensifier, the dislocated acromioclavicular joint was reduced. Artificial ligament was used for reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligament. The reconstructed ligament was fixed to 2 holes in the clavicle with interference screw. If necessary, Kirschner wire was inserted across the acromioclavicular joint. This wire should be removed after 6 weeks.
The post operative results were evaluated by Kawabe’s evaluation system. The average Kawabe’s score was 95.7 points (85 to 100 points). No patient showed clinical symptoms at the last follow-up, but 3 cases had subluxation of the acromioclavicular joint postoperatively. It is concluded that we had good results with this method in the cases in this series, but the device for more rigid fixation should be discussed.
