Endobutton technique to reconstruct coracoclavicular ligament for acromioclavicular joint dislocations

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of reconstructing the coracoclavicular ligament using Endobutton technique for dislocations of the acromioclavicular joint. Methods From April 2009 to September 2010, 31 cases of acromioclavicular joint dislocation were treated by the Endobutton technique in our department. They were 29 males and 2 females, with a mean age of 41. 7 years old (range, 25 to 66 years). According to the Rockwood classification, there were 4 cases of type IE, 13 of type IV and 14 of type Ⅴ. Twenty-nine patients with acute dislocation underwent surgery after a mean time of 4. 6 days (range, 3 to 7 days) from injury to reconstruction. Two patients with chronic dislocation underwent surgery after a mean time of 4. 5 months (range, 4. 2 to 4. 8 months) after injury. Operation time, visual analog scale (VAS) and Constant shoulder scores, and complications of the patients were documented for analysis. Results All the patients were available for a mean follow-up of 15. 2 months (range, 6 to 23 months) . The mean VAS score of the patients was 5. 9 ± 2. 1 preoperatively, compared with 0. 2 ± 0. 4 at the final follow-up evaluation.The difference was statistically significant (t = 14. 39, P < 0. 05) . The mean Constant score was 35. 7 ± 15. 2 preoperatively, compared to 95. 9 ± 5. 8 at the final follow-up evaluation. The difference was statistically significant (t = 22. 23, P < 0. 05) . Follow-up found loosening of Endobutton plate in one case, shoulder stiffness in another and local skin numbness in 4 cases. Conclusion Endobutton technique to reconstruct the coracoclavicular ligament can achieve good outcomes in treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation,such as anatomical reduction, sustainable and stable fixation, consistency with bio-mechanical needs, limited invasion, fewer postoperative complications, and no need of a secondary operation to remove implants. Key words: Acromioclavicular joint; Dislocations; Coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction