RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The present study assessed results of arthroscopy-assisted TightRope (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA) repair of acute Rockwood grade III and V acromioclavicular (AC) dislocations. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 57 patients with AC dislocations treated with TightRope fixation: 15 Rockwood grade III and 42 grade V. Functional results were assessed using the Constant score, and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and RAND 36-ltem Health Survey scores after a mean 2.6 years of follow-up (range 1.0 years to 4.5 years). Radiographic results were assessed using the AC joint coracoclavicular (CC) distance. RESULTS: Postoperative radiographs showed anatomical AC joint reduction in all patients. In nine patients, fixation failed before 6 weeks postoperatively, mainly as a result of suture breakage. For the remaining 47 patients, CC distance was well maintained at 6 weeks. At follow-up, mean (SD) CC distance was significantly increased compared to the contralateral side or postoperative radiographs [17 (4) mm versus 10 (3) mm]. Mean DASH score was 9, Constant score was 88 and the RAND 36 score showed a quality of life similar to the Finnish reference population. CONCLUSIONS: Despite initial good reduction of grade III and V AC dislocations using TightRope fixation, subluxation often recurs after 6 weeks. Patients suffer minor subjective complaints that do not worsen the quality of life.
