Arthroscopic reconstruction of coracoclavicular ligament by suspensory fixation for management of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation and MRI follow-up study.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the safety and effectiveness of arthroscopic reconstruction of coracoclavicular ligament by suspensory fixation to manage the acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

METHODS

From January 2016 to December 2017, 18 cases of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation were carried out with arthroscopic reconstruction of coracoclavicular ligament by double Endobutton plate suspensory fixation. Anteroposterior view X-ray plain radiographs were obtained on the second day, 6 months and 12 months after the surgery, MRI was performed in 1 year after operation. Meanwhile, subjective and objective scoring were obtained by Vsual Analogue Scale (VAS), Rating Scale of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Rating Scale (UCLA).

RESULTS

All patients were followed up for 12 to 30 months (an average of 18 months). There was no patient with infection, neurovascular injury, loosening and breakage of internal fixation, re-dislocation of acromioclavicular joint, clavicular fracture, coracoid process fracture, etc. Postoperative X-ray showed that all acromioclavicular joints were completely relocated. The follow-up of MRI after 1 year showed no obvious dislocation of acromioclavicular joint and good recovery of acromioclavicular space. Postoperative shoulder joint function, VAS, ASES, UCLA and acromioclavicular distance were significantly improved compared with those before surgery, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic reconstruction of coracoclavicular ligament by suspensory fixation to manage the acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation has the advantages of minimal invasive, rapid functional recovery and less complications and satisfactory early clinical results.