Background: We performed surgical treatment by reconstruction of coraco-clavicular ligament using Fascia lata (F) or Palmaris longus (P) for acromio-clavicular joint dislocation. The purpose was to report long-term results of this method.
Methods: Five cases (F: 1 case and P: 4cases) were examined. We looked at them over 10 years. The average age was 37 years old and all patients were male. We reviewed follow up term, radiographic findings, joint dislocation rate (JDR) by measuring coraco-clavicular distance (compared with the unaffected side) and the post-operative results (JSS AC joint score). In 3 cases, a pair of bone tunnels were made separately in the distal part of the clavicle and centered over the coracoid process. The graft was taken through the hole for reconstruction of coracoclavicular ligament. In 2 cases, a single bone tunnel was centered over the coracoid process.
Results: The mean follow up term was 21 years. On the final radiograph, it showed the calcification of coraco-clavicular ligament in 2 cases, the arthrosis of the acromio-clavicular joint in 2 cases and the osteolysis on clavicle in 1 case. The average JDR was 244% at pre-operation, 106% at post-operation and 120% at the final period. The final JSS AC joint scores were 100 points in all cases.
Discussion: Many operative methods for acromio-clavicular joint dislocation were reported but few long-term results over 10 years after surgery were reported. This method makes anatomical reconstruction of coraco-clavicular ligament without xenobiotic reaction, and gives a stable result for the long term.
