A study on functional outcome of modified weaver-dunn procedure for acromioclavicular joint dislocation in rural setup

Abstract

Background: The ideal surgical management for Acromioclavicular joint dislocation (ACJ) is debatable and is unsolved as newer and more sophisticated techniques are being continuously evolved. The present study evaluates the functional outcome of ACJ reconstruction using the modified Weaver-Dunn procedure in rural setup where availability of latest implant is difficult. Materials and Methods: 30 patients (20 males, 10 females) with ACJ dislocation, between the age group of 18 years to 48 years (mean age 30 years), were operated using modified Weaver-Dunn procedure at our institute from JUNE 2017 to DECEMBER 2019. The dominant side was involved in 25 patients (17 right side, 8 left side). The mean period from the time of injury to the surgery was 8 days (range 3 to 16 days). All the patients were assessed with Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) and time required to complete functional return to their work was assessed. Results: At the mean follow up of 6 months, the mean Oxford Shoulder Score improved from 23.36 (± 5.56) to 44.0 (± 4.1), 25 out of 30 patients had satisfactory results, while 5 out of 30 patients had mild shoulder dysfunction using Oxford Shoulder scoring system. Of these 5 patients who had mild shoulder dysfunction, 2 developed ossification around the coracoclavicular ligament and 1 patient had intermittent mild pain without any functional disability, 1 patient had a moderate stiffness at shoulder joint movements, and 1 patient had postoperative superficial infection. Conclusion: ACJ reconstruction using the modified Weaver-Dunn procedure in ACJ dislocation in rural setup is a good method and provides a good functional outcome without the use of latest sophisticated implants and instruments.