ABSTRACT
Operative management of Grade III acromioclavicular dislocations in young, active patients is a controversial issue with regard to operative management. Nine patients with complete dislocation (Allman Grade III) of the acromioclavicular joint who had undergone reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligament with woven Dacron arterial grafts were reviewed clinically, radiologically and functionally utilizing an isokinetic dynamometer. Average follow-up was 2 years and 7 months. All results were good or excellent in terms of function, range of movement and patient acceptance. One patient developed a transient brachial plexus lesion due to compression caused by exuberant heterotopic calcification in the region of the synthetic ligament. One other exceptional patient continued to get more than occasional discomfort. It is concluded that Dacron loop repair is a relatively simple surgical technique with minimal morbidity and high efficacy in restoring stability and function in high demand patients.
