Acromioclavicular dislocation occurs often in athletes engaged in contact sports. Open reduction is usually indicated for grade 3 injuries in young patients and athletes. We use a modified Phemister's procedure for acute acromioclavicular dislocations, and the Weaver's procedure for chronic dislocations.
From 1981 to 1989, we opperated on 102 athletes with acute acromioclavicular dislocations. Most of the injuries resulted from falls in judo. In this study, we have investigated and evaluated the subjective and objective recoveries in the athletic ability of the operated shoulder.
We were able to follow-up 62 patients. Their average age was 27.9 year s, and the average follow -up term was 4 years and 10 months. Subjectively, they were asked by questionnaire about: 1) pain,2) range of motion,3) functional disorders in ADL,4) return to sports,5) athletic ability. Objectively, we measured the isokinetic strength of the shoulders of 13 patients by Cybex II.
The subjective results of most of the patients were exellent or good. Forty-n i n e patients ( 80 %)were able to return to participating at the original level of their sports. Especially, in the case of judo expers,75 % of them attained a level-up in their proficiency after the procedure. The objective results showed no significant deficits in the isokinetic strength of the shoulder muscles.
Our investigation showed both the subjective and objective results to be s a t isfactory, and we believe that a modified Phemister's procedure is sufficiently effective, even for contact sports experts.
