Complete acromioclavicular separations. A comparison of operative methods

A retrospective study of the surgical treatment methods for complete acromioclavicular (AC) dislocations was initiated to investigate the efficacy of each. During the years 1972-1985, a total of 95 surgical procedures were performed for complete AC dislocations. The medical records of 90 cases were available for review. The operative methods compared coracoclavicular (CC) with AC fixation methods. Excision of the distal clavicle was performed for chronic dislocations. AC fixation methods included Kirschner wires alone, Kirschner-wire fixation with coracoacromial ligament transfer, and Kirschner-wire fixation with tension wiring. Results were graded using evaluation of pain, range of motion, and residual deformity. AC fixation methods proved to be more successful than CC fixation methods. Excellent results were obtained in more than 89% of both AC and CC methods. AC methods had more minor complications including infections and implant breakage, but no failure or recurrences of the dislocation. CC methods resulted in 9% failure or recurrences. Of the AC fixation methods, the Kirschner wire with tension wiring gave the best results but required a more extensive operation for removal of implants. Excision of the distal end of the clavicle is an adequate form of treatment for the chronic complete painful AC dislocation.     

Arthroscopic Treatment of Acute and Chronic Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation

This article presents an all-arthroscopic technique for coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction by ligamentoplasty after acute or chronic acromioclavicular joint dislocation. A coracoacromial ligament transfer is done to reconstruct the torn coracoclavicular ligaments, similar to open surgery. The coracoacromial ligament is dissected from the undersurface of the acromion and is reinserted on the inferior clavicle by transosseous suture fixation. Additional wire or screw stabilization may be used. With this method, we achieve a very satisfactory reduction of the dislocated acromioclavicular joint.     

A cadaveric study examining acromioclavicular joint congruity after different methods of coracoclavicular loop repair

A basic principle in the treatment of joint injuries is to restore congruity with the hope that restoration may lessen the incidence of late arthritis. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is frequently injured. Many AC joint injuries are treated nonoperatively; others are treated surgically. Coracoclavicular loop repair of the AC joint is believed to lead to anterior displacement of the clavicle relative to the acromion. This cadaveric study evaluated the effectiveness of three techniques of coracoclavicular loop repair in restoring AC joint congruity through measurement of anterior displacement. Fourteen shoulders were repaired by the three different techniques, all of which consisted of fixation through a drill hole in the clavicle and around the crook of the coracoid with a suture. The techniques only varied by the placement of the drill hole in the clavicle (ie, either posterior, middle, or anterior). The results of this study indicate that as the drill hole moved anteriorly on the clavicle, joint congruity was more closely approached and less anterior displacement of the clavicle occurred. However, none of the methods of coracoclavicular loop fixation restored full AC joint congruity.     

Minimally Invasive Coracoclavicular Ligament Augmentation With a Flip Button/Polydioxanone Repair for Treatment of Total Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation

Treatment of complete acromioclavicular joint disruption remains controversial and ranges from rehabilitation to extensive surgical reconstruction. However, high-grade injuries (type IV, V, and VI) are typically treated surgically. Most reconstruction techniques addressing these injuries selectively focus on coracoclavicular ligament augmentation because it has been shown to be the primary stabilizer of the acromioclavicular joint. The conventional coracoclavicular polydioxanone (PDS) loop, which is widely performed, has been detected to have some pivotal disadvantages, including anterior subluxation of the clavicle, extensive preparation of the coracoid, and bony avulsion of the clavicle as a result of rotational clavicle movement. Therefore we present an augmentation technique that reduces these complications by replicating the orientation of the native coracoclavicular ligament complex and providing a minimally invasive subcoracoid and clavicular fixation of a double PDS loop by use of 2 flip buttons, typically used for extracortical anterior cruciate ligament graft fixation. The key step of the procedure includes the anatomic, secure, and stable placement of the double PDS cerclage under the coracoid base transferring a flip button through a coracoid bone tunnel. Our clinical experience shows that the presented technique is easy to perform and has a comparable invasiveness to recently presented arthroscopic techniques.     

Acute acromioclavicular dislocations treated by fixation of the joint and ligament repair or reconstruction

We reviewed 55 patients, median age 34 years, who had had acute complete acromioclavicular dislocation treated by transient acromioclavicular fixation with a Knowles pin and ligament repair by suturing or reconstruction of the superior acromioclavicular ligament with transfer of the coracoid end of the coracoacromial ligament onto the clavicle. At followup examination 50 patients showed at least a satisfactory result. Five cases, two of which had had subsequent resection of the distal end of the clavicle, were classified as poor, mainly because of pain, even though the functional result was good in three. Reconstruction of the superior acromioclavicular ligament, although it improved the anatomic result, was shown to be of no advantage and may even have caused discomfort. The numerous radiological findings of residual subluxation or dislocation, deformity of the distal end of the clavicle, soft tissue calcification and osteoarthritis or pathological physical findings did not correlate significantly with the clinical outcomes. In general this operation gave results comparable with those achieved by other operative methods. It is useful if surgery is preferred to conservative treatment.     

关节镜辅助喙锁悬吊固定联合改良Weaver-unn手术治疗陈旧性肩锁关节脱位

目的探讨关节镜辅助喙锁悬吊固定联合改良Weaver-Dunn手术治疗陈旧性肩锁关节脱位的疗效。 方法2016年3月至2017年3月,对8例陈旧性肩锁关节脱位的患者采用关节镜下喙锁间隙悬吊固定联合改良Weaver-Dunn手术,术后随访6~18个月。测量术后即刻与末次随访时的喙锁间隙差值,评估复位丢失情况,采用疼痛视觉模拟（VAS）评分及加州大学洛杉矶分校（UCLA）评分评价患者肩关节功能。 结果术后末次随访时患者喙锁间隙与术后即刻喙锁间隙差值为（0.41±0.26）mm,VAS评分为2.88分,UCLA评分为（173.6±11.3）分,患者肩锁关节丢失率低、术后疼痛及功能均得到明显改善。 结论关节镜辅助喙锁固定联合改良Weaver-Dunn技术治疗陈旧性肩锁关节脱位有较好的疗效。     

Operative treatment of acute acromioclavicular dislocation (author's transl)]

Author describes clinical appearance of the acromioclavicular dislocation. Discussing different surgical techniques, a new combination of surgical procedures is recommended. In case of acute acromioclavicular dislocation beside the osteosynthesis by means of traction wire loop, the reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligament and the fixation of clavicula with tendon graft should be performed. Good results were obtained with the above method.     

Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction Using Peroneus Brevis Tendon Allograft

We describe the use of a double-strand peroneus brevis allograft to reconstruct the coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular (AC) joint ligaments. Through sharp dissection, the distal clavicle, the AC joint, and the torn superior AC and coracoacromial ligaments are identified. The coracoid process and injured coracoclavicular ligaments are identified with blunt dissection. A 1-cm segment of the lateral clavicle is resected. Vertical and connecting horizontal tunnels are created (4.5 mm) in the lateral clavicle and in the medial acromion process. The 5.5- to 6.0-mm-diameter allograft is looped around the coracoid process, and both strands are passed through the vertical clavicle tunnel with a nitinol wire loop. One strand passes through the vertical clavicle tunnel, and the other strand passes through the horizontal tunnel, exiting through the lateral end. The allograft strand passed through the vertical clavicle tunnel is then passed inferiorly through the superior vertical acromion tunnel, and the strand passed completely through the horizontal clavicle tunnel is passed laterally through the medial horizontal acromion tunnel. After both strands exit inferiorly through the vertical acromion tunnel, they are tensioned and sutured with AC joint reduction. Soft tissue closure uses No. 0 and No. 2-0 absorbable sutures with No. 3-0 nylon sutures at the skin.     

张力带钢丝内固定治疗重度肩锁关节脱位

目的 观察张力带钢丝内固定术治疗重度肩锁关节脱位的疗效。方法 将2枚克氏针交叉曲肩峰通过肩锁关节面穿入锁骨外端,将钢丝在肩锁关节表面作“8”字交叉后绕过针尾拧紧加压打结固定。结果 21例术后随访1-6年,按优、良、差标准评定疗效,优18例（85.4%）,良3例（14.6%）。未发生克氏针或不锈钢丝松动、滑出等并发症,肩关节功能恢复正常。结论 该方法使肩锁关节面对合紧密、牢固,为肩锁韧带、喙锁韧带、关节囊、肌筋膜、肌肉的修复创造条件,手术简单,损伤小,可恢复满意肩关节功能。     

TightRope治疗Rockwood Ⅲ型肩锁关节脱位失败病例分析

目的分析TightRope治疗肩锁关节脱位失败病例的原因,总结相关经验教训。 方法自2014年1月至2018年4月收治肩锁关节脱位RockwoodⅢ型77例,均采用TightRope重建喙锁韧带治疗,术后发生钢板脱出、松动共6例,分析其手术失败原因。 结果所有患者均获随访,随访时间3~32个月,平均14.30个月,术后3个月Constant评分（93.86±5.59）分。失败病例6例,术后3个月Constant评分（79.17±7.33）分。失败原因包括隧道建立偏斜3例,手术操作不当2例,肩锁关节过度复位1例。 结论TightRope治疗肩锁关节脱位导致失败的因素：严重的骨质疏松,隧道建立偏斜,过度复位等。     

单、双束喙锁韧带重建治疗肩锁关节脱位62例报道

目的讨论应用单、双束喙锁韧带重建治疗肩锁关节脱位（AJC）的临床疗效。 方法自2009~2016年应用Endobutton、Arthrex AC Joint Tight Rope等替代物,通过建立喙突与锁骨间隧道,进行单、双束喙锁韧带重建,共治疗AJC 62例。 结果62例患者都接受了随访,随访时间最短1年,最长7年。根据Constant-Murley肩关节功能评分标准:优57例、良2例,可3例,优良率达95%。 结论应用单、双束喙锁韧带重建治疗AJC的临床疗效满意。     

Current concepts in the diagnosis and management of acromioclavicular dislocations

Not all complete dislocations of the acromioclavicular joint should be treated by one method alone. A classification of acromioclavicular dislocation is presented and is based upon the pathology of the injury. Grade I sprain results from a mild force that causes tearing of only a few fibers of the acromioclavicular joint. Grade II sprains are caused by a moderate force with a rupture of the capsule and acromioclavicular ligament. Grade III sprains result from a severe force that ruptures both the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments and causes a dislocation of the joint. Grade IV dislocation may be associated with an avulsion fracture of the coracoclavicular ligament from the inferior lateral clavicle, severe tearing or other injury to the soft-tissue envelope about the lateral clavicle, or a buttonhole injury of the lateral clavicle. Grade V dislocation refers to a posterior displacement of the lateral clavicle from any cause, while Grade VI relates to an inferior lateral clavicle displacement. Grades I, II, and most Grade III injuries can be treated conservatively. The indications for open treatment of Grade III injuries are reviewed. It is recommended that Grade IV and most Grade V and VI dislocations be managed with open methods.     

新鲜Tossy Ⅲ型肩锁关节脱位内固定术中喙锁及肩锁韧带处理的病例对照研究

目的：探讨新鲜Tossy Ⅲ型肩锁关节脱位内固定术中喙锁、肩锁韧带的处理方法、并发症和疗效。方法：自2003年7月至2012年5月,对127例新鲜Tossy Ⅲ型肩锁关节脱位患者,采用锁骨与喙突间钢丝固定或锁骨钩状钢板固定术,根据术中是否修复喙锁、肩锁韧带分组。锁骨与喙突间钢丝固定组（A组）63例,修复喙锁、肩锁韧带,男39例,女24例;平均年龄（33.25±8.46）岁（17～59岁）.锁骨钩状钢板固定组（B组）64例,不修复喙锁、肩锁韧带,男41例,女23例;平均年龄（34.10±7.19）岁（19～57岁）.分别从手术时间、术中出血量、术后并发症发生率及疗效方面比较两组治疗效果。结果：根据Karlsson标准,A组63例,优54例,良9例,差0例;手术时间平均（55.90±26.56） min;术中平均出血量（99.80±50.30） ml;1例术后第16周发现钢丝断裂但无肩锁关节再脱位,3例出现切口脂肪液化,1例出现肩关节活动后疼痛,取出内置物后疼痛消失。B组64例,优52例,良12例,差0例;手术时间平均（49.50±23.14） min;术中平均出血量（87.30±46.41） ml;2例出现切口脂肪液化,2例出现肩关节活动后疼痛。全部患者4～9个月后取出内置钢丝或者锁骨钩状钢板,随访9～16个月,无肩锁关节再脱位。两组方法在平均手术时间、术中平均出血量和伤口脂肪液化、感染、肩部疼痛、内固定失效、肩锁关节再脱位等并发症发生率及疗效方面差异均无统计学意义。结论：新鲜TossyⅢ型肩锁关节脱位内固定术中采用锁骨与喙突间钢丝固定或锁骨钩状钢板固定是一种操作简单、创伤小、出血少、疗效确切的方法。术中不修复喙锁、肩锁韧带,不增加手术并发症发生率。     

Stabilization of the injured shoulder joint with PDS cord]

A successful treatment of the acromioclavicular separation is the repair of the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular (CC-)ligaments and a stable reduction of the acromioclavicular (AC-)joint. To avoid dangerous breakage and migration of the K-wire an abduction humeral splint is necessary immobilizing the injured shoulder for 5-6 weeks. In the years 1987-1989 40 patients suffering AC-separation were treated (34 Tossy III separations, 4 Tossy II separations, 2 Tossy I separations). In these cases a stable reduction was achieved by a transarticular K-wire fixation and a combination of AC- and CC-fixation by loops. In 1987 wire loop was used. In 1988 a combination of wire and Polydioxanon (PDS) loops was used. The PDS-loop, a slowly resorbable suture material, fixed the CC-ligament. In 1989 the AC-joint was stabilized by a PDS-loop as well. The examination of 31 patients 6-24 months after the operation showed good clinical results no matter whether PDS-loops or wire loops were used. The advantage of the transarticular K-wire fixation in combination with PDS-loops was the easy removal, which could be done in mostly of the cases as an outpatient procedure. An operation of the AC-Tossy III separation on patients beyond their 4. decade should be well considered. A long time of treatment, remaining pain and a limitation of shoulder movement must be expected.     

Acromioclavicular complete dislocation. Analysis of the operative results in 48 patients

Complete acromioclavicular separation in 48 patients was treated by operation, using Kirschner wire for fixation in 20 cases and the A--O cortical screw in 17. Late resection of the distal end of the clavicle was performed in 11 cases. Follow-up examination was performed on average two years after the operation. Attention was paid to subjective symptoms, the objective state, duration of incapacity, radiological evidence of dislocation without stress and under stress, osteoarthrosis and soft-tissue calcification. Pain, function and mobility were evaluated by a point system. In the groups primarily treated by surgery the result was at least good in 73%, fair in 16% and poor in 11%. Excellent results were noticed more often in patients under 30 years old than in those over 45 (p less than 0.01). Mobility of the shoulder joint was significantly more often normal when Kirschner wire was used for fixation than after screw fixation (p less than 0.05). Late resection gave at least a fair functional result.     

Treatment of distal clavicle fracture using Kirschner wires and tension-band wires

BACKGROUND: Nonunion frequently follows distal clavicle fracture. Traditional pinning methods using the through acromioclavicular articulation may result in osteoarthritic changes or ankylosis. This study introduces a direct pinning technique in which the acromioclavicular joint is spared. METHODS: Twelve patients with displaced distal clavicle fractures received open reduction and fixation with Kirschner wires (K-wires) and tension-band wires, from May 1996 to March 1997. The indication for surgery was type IIa fracture or fracture with displacement. Unrestricted passive and active range of motion was performed as soon as possible after the operation. Stretching and exertional exercises were permitted after radiographs showed an osseous union and after the implants were removed. RESULTS: Eleven patients achieved osseous union with painless full motion. Union time ranged from 3 to 6 months. One patient suffered from more comminuted fracture because of a fall 2 months after operation. This patient received a revision surgery with distal clavicle resection and coracoclavicle reconstruction. Symptomless ossification around the coracoclavicle ligament was noted on radiographs in one patient. The ossification did not progress after the 9-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Edwards reported a rate of 45% delayed union and 30% nonunion in type II fractures. Several techniques had been described in the relevant literature. In our practice, fixation with Kirschner wires and tension-band wires has been successful in the treatment for displaced distal clavicle fracture.     

Complete acromioclavicular dislocations: treatment with a Dacron ligament.

A series of 20 patients was treated for a complete acromioclavicular dislocation (Tossy III). Reduction of the clavicle is maintained by a Dacron ligament, which provides dynamic fixation. The mean follow-up period was 3.9 years. For 19 patients the results were good or excellent; in one case the result was poor. Advantages of the method described are ease of the procedure, absence of pins and a 1-week period of immobilization. An important result is the short sick leave with an average of 3.3 weeks, which is favourable compared with other operative and non-operative methods. The recent tendency to treat complete acromioclavicular dislocations non-operatively is based on the poor results of the Phemister and Bosworth operation; however, cerclage with a Dacron ligament has a low complication rate and gives a high percentage of anatomical reduction. It is therefore considered an effective method to treat complete acromioclavicular dislocations.     

The operative treatment of fresh ruptures of the acromioclavicular joint (Tossy III)

We give a preliminary report of ten patients with fresh dislocations of the acromioclavicular joint (Tossy III). All ten were operated with suture of the torn ligaments and indirect fixation of the acromioclavicular joint with a monocerclage wire passed around the coracoid process and the clavicle. Removal of metal was done 8 weeks later. None of the wires broke, and there were no problems with wound healing. Control X-rays under stress revealed stable acromioclavicular joints in all cases.     

The operative treatment of fresh ruptures of the acromioclavicular joint (Tossy III)

Summary We give a preliminary report of ten patients with fresh dislocations of the acromioclavicular joint (Tossy III). All ten were operated with suture of the torn ligaments and indirect fixation of the acromioclavicular joint with a monocerclage wire passed around the coracoid process and the clavicle. Removal of metal was done 8 weeks later. None of the wires broke, and there were no problems with wound healing. Control X-rays under stress revealed stable acromioclavicular joints in all cases.     

Percutaneous cannulated screw coracoclavicular fixation for acute acromioclavicular dislocations

In 1941, Bosworth introduced a new method of repairing acute complete acromioclavicular dislocations in which a noncannulated coracoclavicular lag-screw was inserted by a blind technique. The author reintroduces the percutaneous coracoclavicular fixation concept. A cannulated screw was specially designed, and the technique of percutaneous insertion under fluoroscopic image control was developed. Fifty-three acromioclavicular dislocations were treated by this method. There were 40 Type III, five Type IV, and three Type V dislocations with distal clavicle fractures in conjunction with complete coracoclavicular ligament tears. Technical failures, which occurred in 17 of 53 patients (32%) included: failed percutaneous insertion in two; early screw pullout in three; late screw pullout in four; subluxation after screw removal in six; and malreduction of Type IV dislocation in two. There was no screw breakage or evidence of migration. Serous drainage occurred in two patients.