A novel treatment of grade III acromioclavicular joint dislocations with a C-hook implant

Introduction: This study evaluates the results of the new surgical treatment of complete acromioclavicular (ac) dislocations using coracoclavicular (cc) fixation with a shape memory metal C-hook implant. Materials and methods: Fifteen patients were prospectively analyzed. They all had a Tossy III ac dislocation due to trauma. The ac ligament was reinserted using a surgical bone anchor, and the position of the joint was restored by fixing it with a C-hook. After 3 months the C-hook was removed. Functional status, symptom severity, X-rays and patient satisfaction were analyzed during clinical control visits. The follow-up time was 1 year. Results: At 12 weeks, full shoulder function had been achieved by 93% of the patients. The final control visit showed full recovery of active ROM in all patients. Two patients had mild pain during certain movements. X-rays showed the precise anatomical position of ac joint with no statistically significant differences compared to the healthy side. Patient contentment was excellent in 14 cases and satisfactory in one case. The average sick-leave was 58 days, including the removal operation. Minor osteolysis of the clavicle was noticed in two patients. Conclusion: The new C-hook implant provides accurate anatomical reduction, conserves the articular surfaces and enables fast functional recovery with excellent patient contentment. Technically, the implant is easy to use. Based on this study, the C-hook presents a reliable novel treatment option in surgical ac repair.     

The use of hook plate in type III and V acromio-clavicular Rockwood dislocations: clinical and radiological midterm results and MRI evaluation in 42 patients

BackgroundAcromio-clavicular (AC) joint dislocations are very common following falls on the shoulder or an overstretched hand. The best treatment for such lesions remains a matter of debate. Several studies have, however, lent support to the surgical role of the hook plate in Rockwood type III and V AC dislocations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the midterm clinical results and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of coraco-clavicular ligaments 18 months after an AC dislocation treated with an AC Dreithaler hook plate.Patients and methodsThe cohort was made up of a consecutive series of 42 patients, who underwent surgery between November 2002 and December 2006 for an AC dislocation. They were classified, according to the Rockwood classification, as 22 grade III and 20 grade V dislocations. Surgical treatment consisted of open reduction and stabilisation with an AC Dreithaler hook plate. A clinical and radiological follow-up examination was performed 1 and 3 months after surgery, that is, before removal of the plate, and 12 months following removal.Eighteen months after the trauma, an MRI and a clinical examination were performed and the Constant–Murley scores calculated.ResultsAn acceptable joint alignment was achieved in all the patients after surgery; 1 year after plate removal, five cases (12%) of dislocation recurrence were reported. MRI showed the coraco-clavicular ligaments had healed in the remaining 37 cases (88%).ConclusionAn AC plate is a useful technique in acromio-clavicular dislocations because it is easy to implant, requires mini-invasive access and results in early resumption of normal activity. MRI can be used to evaluate healing of coraco-clavicular ligaments. A long-term follow-up study is, however, warranted to assess the likelihood of recurrence.Level of evidenceLevel IV, therapeutic cases series.     

Surgical reconstruction of the acromioclavicular joint: Can we identify the optimal approach?

Injuries to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint are common, tending to occur secondary to traumatic injuries. Rockwood grade IV, V and VI injuries involve complete dislocation of the joint and require surgical reconstruction, with inconclusive literature on whether grade III injuries should be surgically or conservatively managed. There are over one hundred reported surgical techniques which reconstruct the AC joint, with little indication of which methods achieve the best results. Techniques can generally be considered as: anatomical reduction; CC ligament reconstruction; and anatomical reconstruction. Techniques which implant hardware to reduce the AC joint, such as the hook plate, are commonly implemented, but have been shown to alter the mechanics of the joint significantly, resulting in poor short-term and long-term outcomes. Methods which reconstruct both the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments are comparatively new, and early reports suggest that they achieve biomechanical properties similar to the native joint. More focus should be placed on such techniques in the future to determine whether they offer a more suitable approach to improve patient outcomes following AC joint reconstruction.     

The Tight-Rope Technique versus Clavicular Hook Plate for Treatment of Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective: The efficacy of the tight-rope (TR) technique and clavicular hook plate (CHP) for the treatment of acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate which method is more appropriate for the treatment of acute AC joint dislocation. Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Chinese VIP Database, and Chinese Wan-Fang databases from inception to January 2018 using the search term “acromioclavicular joint dislocation AND hook plate.” All prospective and retrospective controlled trials that had compared functional scores, pain scores, reduction loss rates, coracoclavicular (CC) distances, and complications between TR and CHP for acute AC joint dislocation were identified. A total of 13 of 587 studies with 732 patients were included. TR was preferential to CHP for AC joint dislocation given its higher Constant–Murley score, lower Visual Analog Scale pain score, and comparable reduction loss rate and CC distance. Subgroup analyses of the surgical type of TR did not affect the outcome. Results: The TR technique appears to be associated with better functional recovery and less pain than CHP. In addition, it does not increase the risk of reduction loss, CC distance, or operation time. It is also not associated with other complications except the implant migration, and does not require removal of the internal fixation. Conclusions: Thus, our results indicated that for AC joint dislocation, the TR technique may be preferential.     

Acromioclavicular Dislocations Type III

Background: In contrast to acromioclavicular (AC) dislocations types I, II and Types IV, V, VI according to Rockwood, traumatologists greatly dissent about the treatment of AC dislocation type III. Before choosing an operative technique, the first question is, whether there is a surgical indication. Material and Methods: A review of literature was done through Medline, Medscape and DynaMed. Results: When conservative treatment was compared to surgical treatment, no clear benefit could be shown for the latter. This is partially due to small series and the fact that nonoperative treatment is generally associated with a favorable outcome. It has never been proven that operative treatment improves the final result. Operative techniques with a high rate of anatomic successes do not guarantee good final results. So, anatomic restoration does not equal a good result, but if dislocation reappears, there is a high risk of a fair or poor result. Additionally, anatomic reduction can sometimes only be obtained at the cost of considerable iatrogenic damage to the AC joint, the clavicle or the subclavicular region. Operative treatment is associated with numerous complications. And last, but certainly not least: operative treatment is not associated with a shorter time period of return to work or to sports activities nor with better muscle strength. Conclusions: Considering the pros and cons of operative treatment, we feel one should initially treat AC dislocations type III conservatively and keep surgery for those few patients with severe, persistent complaints.     

Fixed angle fixation of distal radius fractures through a minimally invasive approach

Treating unstable distal radius fractures in osteoporotic patients remains a challenge for the surgeon. Fixed angle plate fixation requires ample surgical dissection but has been shown to improve stability, allow early functional use of the hand and facilitate rehabilitation. We herein describe a treatment method that provides the benefits of fixed angle fixation while utilizing a minimally invasive approach. Stability is achieved by the use of a new implant that is placed through a small dorsal incision and minimizes extensor tendon disruption. This method finds application in the unstable extra-articular fracture of the high risk patient where minimal surgical morbidity is desirable and when reduction can be obtained without the need of extensive dissection. Clinical examples are fractures in the elderly patient where confusion can follow prolonged anesthesia, fractures in the patient with a bleeding disorder where a small wound volume is desirable and fractures in the polytraumatized patient where surgical time must be kept to a minimum. This technique allows anatomic reduction and stable fixation to be achieved in a short operative time and with minimal surgical insult while providing the compromised patient with a rapid recovery.     

Management of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations: current concepts

Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injuries represent a common injury to the shoulder girdle. In the management algorithm of acute ACJ injuries complete radiological evaluation represents the key to a successful therapy. According to the classification of Rockwood the presence of a horizontal component in addition to vertical instability has to be detected. Using axillary functional views or Alexander views dynamic horizontal ACJ instability can be diagnosed in a simple, efficient and cost-effective manner reducing the number of mis-/underdiagnosed ACJ injuries. MRI should not be the imaging modality of first choice. The treatment of ACJ dislocations must consider two aspects. In addition to the correct type of injury therapy strategies should be adapted to patient’s demands and compliance. Low grade AC injuries types I and II are treated non-operatively in terms of “skilful-neglect”. High-grade injuries types IV–VI should be treated operatively within a time frame of 2–3 weeks after injury. A certain debate is still ongoing regarding type III injuries. Out from the literature, non-operative treatment of type III injuries results to provide at least equal functional outcomes as compared to surgical treatment associated with less complications and earlier return to professional and sports activities. If surgical treatment is indicated, open surgical procedures using pins, PDS-slings or hook plates are still widely used concurring with recently raising minimally invasive, arthroscopic techniques using new implants designed to remain in situ. Combined coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular repair are gaining in importance to restore horizontal as well as vertical ACJ stability.     

Modified Phemister procedure for the surgical treatment of Rockwood types III, IV, V acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations are common in young, active patients. In case of surgical indications, Rockwood type IV, type V and selected type III dislocation, we use modified Phemister procedure. At mid-term follow-up, by an average of 35.1?months, we reassessed the records of 14 patients surgically treated for acute AC dislocation from February 2007 to November 2010. In patients with a diagnosis of grade III lesion, indication for surgery was given on the basis of the patient??s functional demand. Full recovery was obtained on average 3?months after surgery. Constant Score accounted for 92.7 points, mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score for 3.2 points, and mean Simple Shoulder Test Score for 11.4 points. X-ray findings were partial loss of reduction (9 cases), subclinic re-dislocation (2 cases), calcification (5 cases) and post-traumatic arthritis (2 cases). Modified Phemister is a reliable technique, technically easy, a low learning curve procedure and cheap with low hardware??s costs.     

Arthroskopisch gestützte Techniken zur Versorgung der akuten und chronischen AC-Gelenk-Verletzung

Acute and chronic acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is frequently encountered in the routine clinical practice. This injury can lead to significant impairment of shoulder girdle function. Therapy based on the severity of injury is recommended to re-establish correct shoulder function. The static radiographic Rockwood classification is used to define the degree of dislocation but the clinical aspects and functional x-ray imaging of horizontal AC joint instability should also be considered for selection of the appropriate procedure. Rockwood grades I and II injuries are treated non-operatively with early functional exercise. The approach for Rockwood grade III injuries should be individual and patient-specific, with non-surgical procedures for low functional requirement patients with a high risk for surgical interventions. For patients with high demands on shoulder function surgery is recommended. A detailed diagnostic assessment frequently reveals Rockwood grade III injuries to be type IV injuries. Rockwood types IV and V AC joint dislocations require surgery for sustained stability. Treatment of acute injuries is recommended within 1-3 weeks after trauma but there is no clear evidence of a cut-off for the presence of chronic injuries. Various surgical techniques have been described in the literature. This article presents an arthroscopically assisted technique that addresses both vertical and horizontal instability of the AC joint.     

The effects of hook plates on the subacromial space--a clinical and MRT study

AIM: The analysis of middle- and long-term results after treatment of acromioclavicular joint injuries with a hook plate as a temporary implant and a comparison of the results with those described in literature have been made. METHOD: In a retrospective study we were able to conduct follow-up examinations on 28 out of 39 Tossy III patients (72 %) who received surgical treatment using a hook plate according to Dreithaler. Examinations took place on average 3.0 (1.2-5.6) years after surgery. A special focus of attention was the effect of the hook plate on the subacromial space. Accordingly, physical examination was supplemented by sonography of the shoulder as well as comparative bilateral shoulder MRI. RESULTS: 86 % of our patients expressed satisfaction with the functional outcome of surgery as opposed to 54 % concerning its cosmetic result. In shoulder sonography no patient turned out to have suffered a higher grade rotator cuff lesion, whereas age-related degenerative alterations were found in 46 % of the patients. Instability under load was found in 7 patients (25 %). Among these were 3 with severe instability (11 %). 2 patients (7 %) were found to have a permanent subluxation of the acromioclavicular joint with partial range of motion impairment. All scores monitored (DASH, Taft, Constant-Murley) on average returned good to excellent results. MRI scans displayed no case of higher grade rotator cuff lesion. In accordance with the findings of ultrasound imaging a higher incidence of extraarticular ossification was found as well as, in some cases, arthrosis of the acromioclavicular joint. CONCLUSION: In our opinion, the hook plate designed by Dreithaler is easy to handle and serves as a qualified implant for temporary stabilisation of the acromioclavicular joint with middle- and long-term good to excellent results.     

Hook plate fixation for acromioclavicular joint separations restores coracoclavicular distance more accurately than PDS augmentation,however presents with a high rate of acromial osteolysis

Introduction  

Hook plate fixation of acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations carries the disadvantage of compulsory implant removal, occasional implant fatigue and secondary loss of reduction. This study compares the clinical and radiological outcome of a new polyaxial angular stable hook plate (HP) with absorbable polydioxansulfate (PDS) sling.     

Minimal-invasive Versorgung monokondylärer Tibiakopffrakturen

BACKGROUND: Treatment of displaced tibial plateau fractures is often complicated by high-energy trauma and soft tissue damage. Therefore, numerous techniques such as indirect or arthroscopically controlled reduction and percutaneous osteosynthesis have been described to reduce the additional surgical trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-three fractures (AO type 41-B2/3, Schatzker type II-IV) were treated with percutaneous, fluoroscopically guided reduction combined with small fragment osteosynthesis using a radius T-plate. In none of the patient was cancellous bone graft performed. Only in one case was arthrotomy necessary because of uncertain image intensification findings in an obese patient. One revision was done for a 4-mm step caused by an over reduced rim fragment. Fracture healing and full weight bearing were achieved after 8-12 weeks. Neither secondary displacement nor implant loosening was seen under primary functional treatment without immobilization. RESULTS: Functional recovery showed a mean ROM of 114 degrees after 6 weeks and 121 degrees after 3 months. The radius T-plate offers enough stability to allow primary functional treatment due to early recovery of joint motion. Percutaneous reduction and small fragment osteosynthesis is a less invasive approach in the treatment of displaced monocondylar tibial plateau fractures.     

Clinical and radiographical results after double flip button stabilization of acute grade III and IV acromioclavicular joint separations

Introduction

Persistent horizontal instability after acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation may provoke unsatisfactory results of conservative treatment. Hypothesis: the arthroscopically assisted double flip button stabilization of acute horizontally unstable grade III and IV AC joint disruptions results in full functional restoration and stable radiological reposition.

Materials

21 patients treated for an acute grade III or IV AC joint separation were enrolled. Clinical assessment at least 2-year postoperative included the constant score (CS) and the simple shoulder test. A panorama stress view, bilateral axial view and an AC view were obtained for radiographic evaluation.

Results

19 individuals (mean 37 years; 17 men) with 16 Rockwood type III and 3 type IV injuries were available for examination 24–51 months postoperatively. The mean CS was 90.2 points (SD 6.5) with no statistically significant difference between CS and age-adjusted normative values. The mean Simple Shoulder Test scored 11.5 points (range 8–12). Loss of reduction of more than 2 mm in the coronal plane stress views was present in 6 patients (32 %) with no associated loss of functional outcome. Two of four reported complications in four patients were treated surgically (one open revision with graft augmentation for coracoid implant break out, one arthroscopic capsular release for persistent glenohumeral stiffness).

Conclusion

Arthroscopically assisted double flip button stabilization for acute grade III and IV AC joint separation restores fully horizontal stability and age-expected shoulder function, resulting in high patient satisfaction, despite a loss of reduction observed radiographically in approximately one-third of patients.

Level of evidence

IV.     

Open Dislocation of Ankle without Fracture Treated with an External Fixator

Ankle dislocations are orthopedic emergencies that require immediate treatment to avoid neurovascular impairment. They are usually accompanied by one or more comminuted fractures of the ankle mortis. In rare circumstances, such as high‐energy trauma, the ankle dislocations may not be accompanied by concomitant malleolar fractures and, thus, are named “pure ankle dislocations”. We presented a very rare and interesting case of an open medial dislocation of the ankle without associated fracture in an 18‐year‐old man with no known predisposing risk factors. The patient was admitted to the emergency department after sustaining a catastrophic trampoline accident resulting in severe inversion of the right ankle. The patient was treated with an external fixator and was mobilized early in the post‐surgical course. Despite initial presentation that revealed lack of posterior tibial pulse, the post‐surgical course was uneventful, with full functional recovery and joint mobility. The primary goals of treatment are immediate reduction of the joint and relief of neurovascular stress. External fixation is a prompt, fairly easy treatment that one should keep in mind in pure ankle dislocations. Nonetheless, ligamentous restoration and early mobilization were the key elements as seen in our case for full functional recovery.     

Therapeutic alternatives in nonunion of hamate hook fractures: personal experience in 8 patients and review of literature

Symptomatic nonunion frequently results after conservative treatment of hamate hook fractures, emphasizing the need of appropriate surgical strategies. A retrospective analysis of 8 patients with nonunions treated by fragment excision or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) at 3 centers was performed. The literature was reviewed for treatment options, as bone grafting and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound. Although fragment excision is advocated as the "gold standard" in nonunion, reports on functional results are controversial, and recent anatomic and biomechanical studies of the hook challenge this opinion. In our patients, complete relief of symptoms and comparable functional results were observed after ORIF or fragment excision. Bone grafting could supplement ORIF in selected cases. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound may evolve as a conservative treatment option. Several alternatives to hook excision are available aiming at complete anatomic and functional recovery of hamate hook nonunion. Further experience is needed before general recommendations can be formulated.     

Hook plate fixation for acute acromioclavicular dislocations without coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction: a functional outcome study in military personnel

The aim of our study was to evaluate the shoulder function after clavicular hook plate fixation of acute acromioclavicular dislocations (Rockwood type III) in a population group consisting exclusively of high-demand military personnel. This prospective study was carried out at a tertiary care military orthopaedic centre during 2012–2013 using clavicular hook plate for management of acromioclavicular injuries without coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction in 33 patients. All patients underwent routine implant removal after 16 weeks. The functional outcome was assessed at 3, 6 and 12 months after hook plate removal and 2 years from the initial surgery using the Constant Murley and UCLA Scores. All the patients were male serving soldiers and had sustained acromioclavicular joint dislocation (Rockwood type III). Mean age of the patient group was 34.24 years (21–55 years). The mean follow-up period in this study was 23.5 months (20–26 months) after hook plate fixation and an average of 19.9 months (17–22 months) after hook plate removal. The average Constant Score at 3 months after hook plate removal was 60.3 as compared to 83.7 and 90.3 at 6 months and 1 year, respectively, and an average of 91.8 at the last follow-up that was approximately 2 years after initial surgery which was statistically significant (p value <0.05). The UCLA Score was an average of 15.27, 25.9 and 30.1 at 3, 6 months and 1 year, respectively, after removal of hook plate which improved further an average of 32.3 at the last follow-up, which was also statistically significant (p value <0.05). Clavicular hook plate fixation without coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction is a good option for acute acromioclavicular dislocations producing excellent medium-term functional results in high-demand soldiers.     

Comparison of surgical outcomes between fixation with hook plate and loop suspensory fixation for acute unstable acromioclavicular joint dislocation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Treatment of acute (≤4 weeks) high-grade acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation (types III–VI) is still controversial. Currently, the two modern techniques that are widely used include hook plate fixation and coracoclavicular (CC) ligament fixation using a suspensory loop device (tightrope, synthetic ligament or absorbable polydioxansulfate sling). These techniques are both reported to have superior clinical outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess and compare clinical outcomes of hook plate fixation versus fixation of the CC ligament using a loop suspensory fixation (LSF) device for the treatment of AC joint injury. These clinical outcomes consist of the Constant–Murley score (CMS), pain visual analog score (VAS) and postoperative complications. Relevant comparative studies were identified from MEDLINE and Scopus from inception to October 5, 2015. Five of 571 studies were eligible; 5, 3, 3, and 5 studies were included in the pooling of CMS, pain VAS, surgical time and postoperative complications, respectively. The unstandardized mean difference (UMD) of the CMS for LSF was 4.43 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.73, 8.14], which was statistically significantly higher than the CMS in hook plate fixation. For VAS, the UMD was 0.02 points (95 % CI ?3.54, 3.73) higher than LSF but without statistical significance. The surgical time of LSF was 16.21 min (95 % CI 6.27, 26.15) statistically significantly higher than hook plate fixation. LSF had a lower chance of postoperative complications by 0.62 units (95 % CI 0.30, 1.32) when compared to hook plate fixation, but this also was not statistically significant. In acute high-grade AC joint injuries, loop suspensory fixation had higher postoperative functional CMS and mean surgical time when compared to hook plate fixation. However, for postoperative VAS and complication rates, there were no statistically significant differences between groups. Level of evidence IV     

锁骨钩钢板治疗不稳定性胸锁关节脱位

目的 探讨锁骨钩钢板切开复位治疗不稳定性胸锁关节脱位的临床意义及疗效. 方法 2005年4月至2007年10月,采用切开复位锁骨钩钢板内固定治疗19例不稳定性胸锁关节脱位患者,根据Grade分型:Ⅱ型2例,Ⅲ型17例.全部采用患侧切开复位锁骨钩钢板内固定术加关节成形术并修补肋锁韧带、胸锁韧带. 结果术后均尤再脱位,钢板尤断裂、松动、脱钩等现象.所有患者均获随访,时间6～24个月,平均8个月;愈合时间3～6周,平均4周.按照Rockwood胸锁关节评分标准:优16例,良2例,可1例,优良率为94.7%.术后患者均恢复解剖结构及外观,功能满意.结论 锁骨钩钢板内固定治疗小稳定性胸锁关节脱位具有操作简便安全、创伤小、固定可靠等优点,并有较好的维持复位和促进恢复作用,术后患者功能及外观恢复满意.     

Balser plate stabilization: an alternate therapy for traumatic sternoclavicular instability

Traumatic instability of the sternoclavicular joint is a rare condition. It can be treated by surgical cerclage fixation, which necessitates postoperative immobilization, an approach preventing early postoperative functional rehabilitation. Balser plate stabilization is a therapeutic alternative that does not require extended periods of immobilization. From January 1, 1996, to December 31, 2000, a total of 10 trauma patients with unstable sternoclavicular joints (Allman grade III) requiring surgical management were treated with Balser plate stabilization to allow early physiotherapy. The population included 7 patients with anterior dislocations, 2 with posterior dislocations, and 1 with medial epiphysiolysis in addition to posterior dislocation. Implants were removed from 9 patients after 3 months and 1 patient after 2 months. One year or longer after the procedure, 9 of 10 patients were available for follow-up; 1 patient had moved. The results achieved with this alternative treatment are excellent. There were no cases of redislocation. The only surgical complication was a seroma that required surgical drainage. One patient had arthrosis develop. Outcome was assessed with Constant (range, 84-100; mean, 90.2 +/- 6.6) and DASH (disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand) (range, 4.1-16.6; mean, 8.4 +/- 1.4) scores. For the rare case of sternoclavicular joint dislocation requiring open surgical reduction and stabilization, the Balser plate technique is reliable, permits early movement, has good postoperative results, and compares favorably with alternative methods.