Technique of Stabilization in Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation

Abstract

Acromioclavicular injury is a frequent pathology of collision sports, cycling and motorcycling sports. For stages I and II most of the authors agree that conservative treatment must be the rule; also, for type V and VI lesions, it seems obvious that surgery has to be performed. However, treatment remains controversial for type III separation, between conservative and surgical. The authors suggest a modification of the classic modified Weaver-Dunn technique and a new technique of clavicle stabilization with a screwed anchor in case of acute acromioclavicular dislocation. The main advantage of this technique is that there is no hardware that has to be removed, and there is also no morbidity related to a second incision. Short-term results of surgery usually show excellent functional outcomes without any residual pain. But long terms results of grades I to III are usually associated with arthritis; and for grades IV to VI there is most of the time a decrease of shoulder strength and recurrence of pain in time.