[Triple endobutton technique for repair of chronic complete acromioclavicular joint dislocations].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the early result of triple Endobutton technique for reconstructing coracoclavicular ligament of chronic complete acromioclavicular joint dislocations.

METHODS

Between January 2009 and June 2010, 14 patients with chronic complete acromioclavicular joint dislocations were treated with triple Endobutton technique for reconstructing coracoclavicular ligament. There were 10 males and 4 females with a mean age of 38.5 years (range, 26-52 years). Injury was caused by traffic accident in 7 cases, by falling in 5 cases, and by bruise in 2 cases. The average time was 47 days from injury to the operation (range, 29-75 days). All patients had pain and activity restriction. The X-ray films showed complete dislocation of acromioclavicular joint. According to Allman's type, all cases were classified as III degree complete dislocations.

RESULTS

At postoperation, wound healed by first intention with no early complication of infection or neurovascular injury. All patients were followed up 18.3 months on average (range, 13-30 months). Acromioclavicular joint subluxation occurred in 1 patient at 1 week after operation, and no redislocation or other complication occurred in the other patients. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score was 90.8 +/- 4.1 at last follow-up, showing significant difference when compared with the preoperative score (65.3 +/- 4.4) (t = -17.57, P = 0.00); Constant-Murley score was 91.7 +/- 3.9, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative one (71.5 +/- 4.6) (t = -75.02, P = 0.00). The definite answer in Simple Shoulder Test (SST) averaged 9.7 (range, 7-12).

CONCLUSION

The triple Endobutton technique for reconstructing coracoclavicular ligament is an effective method in treatment of chronic complete acromioclavicular joint dislocations. The short-term results are satisfactory.