Surgical Treatment of Fresh Complete Acromioclavicular Dislocation by Coracoid Process Transfer and K-Wire Transfixation

Acromioclavicular dislocations are very common shoulder injuries. The optimal treatment for acute high-grade acromioclavicular joint injury remains a matter of debate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of surgical treatment of complete acromioclavicular dislocation using coracoid process transfer and temporary K-wire transfixation. Twenty-one patients with complete acromioclavicular dislocation underwent coracoid process transfer and temporary K-wire transfixation. Patients were assessed at the follow-up based on visual analog scores (VAS), the Constant–Murley scoring system and the UCLA shoulder rating system. Radiographs were taken to check up vertical instability. The mean follow-up was 32.1 months (25–47 months). The mean Constant and Murley score and UCLA shoulder rating score was 89.9 ± 8.4 and 30.1 ± 4.4. There were fourteen excellent functional results and six results and one poor result. The overall rate of satisfaction, which means an excellent or good result, was 95.2 %. Nineteen patients (90.4 %) maintained their previous jobs or resume their daily activities. The mean final pain score, as measured from 1 to 10 on the visual analog scale, was 1.91 ± 1.09. The radiographic analysis revealed twenty patients had maintained reduction at the final follow-up. The coracoid process transfer and temporary K-wire transfixation is a reliable treatment for a complete acromioclavicular dislocation.