Surgical treatment of complete acromioclavicular joint dislocation

ABSTRACT

Traumatic disruption of the acromioclavicular [AC] joint is associated with pain and instability after the injury. In this study we managed 22 patients with complete acute AC joint dislocation by open reduction and internal fixation of the AC joint using a malleolar screw passed from the clavicle to the coracoid process of the scapula augmented by cerclage wire. According to Rockwood and Masten classification[1], 13 patients [59.1%] had type III lesion, 7 patients [31.8%] had type IV lesion and two patients [9.1%] had type V lesion. Sixteen patients [72.7%] had excellent results, 5 patients [22.7%] had good results and one patient [4.5%] had poor result. Results were assessed postoperatively using the system of Constant and Murley[2]. We concluded that open reduction and internal fixation of the AC joint injury type III, IV, V has many advantages as it allows good function of the shoulder joint