Comparison of trans-articular Kirschner wire fixation and TightRope System for the treatment of acromioclavicular joint injuries

Abstract

Aim: Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injuries are common among the young and middle-aged population. The management of Grade III ACJ injuries is still controversial. The purpose of the present study was to compare the clinical results and complication rates of trans-articular Kirschner (K) wire fixation and the TightRope System for surgically treated ACJ injuries.
 Material and Method: Patients with Grade III or more ACJ injuries surgically treated for acute ACJ injuries were included in the study. The patients were grouped according to the fixation method; the patients treated with the TightRope System were called Group 1 (n=17). The patients treated with trans-articular K-wire fixation were called Group 2 (n=21). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Constant-Murley (CS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, and shoulder range of motion (ROM) values were evaluated, and the complications were recorded and compared between the two groups.
 Results: Thirty-eight patients (7 females, 31 males) were included in the study with a mean age of 33±9.04. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic and preoperative variables. ASES (P=0.400), CS (P=0.172), VAS (P=0.234), and ROM values were similar between the two groups. The rate of complications was significantly higher in Group 2 (P=0.025). 
 Conclusion: Trans-articular K-wire fixation and the TightRope System have similar clinical scores and ROM values; on the other hand, trans-articular K-wire fixation has significantly higher complication rates.