Abstract
Eighteen patients with complete acromioclavicular separation were treated with an artificial vascular prosthesis, supplemented with a temporary fixation of the acromioclavicular joint. Fourteen patients were re-examined over an average of 5.0 years after the operation.. The functional results were excellent in all patients, however, the roentgenographic evaluations revealed various changes of the clavicle and the coracoid process, including subluxation or dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint, bone atrophy of the distal end of the clavicle, and erosion of the clavicle, as well as the coracoid process by an artificial graft. We are concerned about the use of an artificial prosthesis for this injury.
