Acromioclavicular reconstruction using autogenous semitendinosus tendon graft: results of revision surgery in chronic cases

Revision surgery of acromioclavicular dislocation is challenging owing to the altered anatomic relationships and the lack of stabilizing structures. In this study, an autogenous semitendinosus tendon graft was used for revision acromioclavicular stabilization, aiming at anatomic coracoclavicular reconstruction, as these patients had previously undergone a Weaver-Dunn procedure, which failed. Twelve patients were followed up clinically and radiographically for a mean of 49.5 months. The primary diagnosis was acromioclavicular joint dislocation Rockwood type III in 6, type IV in 4, and type V in 2 cases. At follow-up, the mean Constant score averaged 76.4 points. Pain relief was statistically significant (P < .01). Radiologic coracoclavicular distance and posterior displacement of the lateral clavicle in the Rockwood type IV cases decreased significantly (P < .01). We conclude that with this new technique of autogenous semitendinosus tendon graft replicating the anatomic ligamentous properties, good to excellent results can be achieved in revision cases of acromioclavicular reconstruction.