Acromioclavicular dislocation after arthroscopic distal clavicle resection: a case report

Patient-reported outcomes for arthroscopic resection of the distal clavicle with concomitant arthroscopic subacromial decompression at a 2-year follow-up: a prospective study of 131 consecutive patients.

Distal clavicle resection has been an effective procedure for treatment of acromioclavicular arthritis. The conventional open surgical technique involves deltoid detachment and reattachment, which may cause postoperative weakness and requires protection during the postoperative period to allow for healing. Arthroscopic acromioclavicular joint resection has the theoretical advantages of no deltoid disruption and a shorter rehabilitation period. The purpose of this study was to compare open versus arthroscopic acromioclavicular joint resection in a laboratory setting. The goals of acromioclavicular joint resection in this study were to remove 5 mm of the medial acromion and 10 mm of the distal clavicle. Acromioclavicular joint resections were performed on 10 cadaver shoulders (5 open resections and 5 arthroscopic resections). Open resection was successful at 10 of 15 distal clavicle locations and 14 of 15 medial acromial locations. Arthroscopic resection was successful at 14 of 15 distal clavicle locations and 10 of 15 medial acromial locations. The combined bone resection averaged 14.8 mm (+/- 1.99 mm) for the open technique and 14.8 mm (+/- 2.58 mm) for the arthroscopic technique. The combined bone resection was 1.5 cm or more in all of the measured locations for the open technique and in 14 of 15 measure locations for the arthroscopic technique. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. In the laboratory setting, acromioclavicular joint resection was performed effectively and predictably with arthroscopic instruments. Arthroscopic bone resection was comparable to open bone resection.

Open Versus Arthroscopic Distal Clavicle Resection

Arthroscopic resection of the distal clavicle with a superior approach.

Ten consecutive patients with isolated atraumatic osteolysis of the distal clavicle who had failed results with conservative treatment were treated with arthroscopic resection of the involved distal clavicle (average, 4.5 mm). All patients were men with an average age of 30.4 years, had unilateral involvement, and were considered aggressive amateur to elite weight lifters or bodybuilders. Postoperative symptoms consisted of pain at the incision and discomfort from extravasation of the irrigation fluid. At an average followup of 18.7 months, all patients had returned to their sport (average, 3.2 days) and to their preoperative weight training program (average, 9.1 days). They continued to be asymptomatic throughout the follow-up period and were able to increase both their training volume and strength from preoperative levels. Limited arthroscopic resection of the distal clavicle for isolated atraumatic osteolysis is a viable alternative for the weight lifter or bodybuilder. The ability to continue training without significant interruption as well as a more acceptable cosmetic appearance are benefits for these patients. Limited arthroscopic resection of the distal clavicle may be sufficient for this entity in this patient population, rather than the 1 to 2 cm previously reported. A sport-specific functional outcome questionnaire has been developed for this patient population.

Acromioclavicular joint arthritis is a relatively common source of shoulder pain. The treatment options consist of conservative management and operative intervention depending on the severity and duration of the disease. Distal clavicle excision is the standard operative treatment and can be performed through either open or arthroscopic techniques. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome of arthroscopic resection of the distal clavicle. This was a prospective study, conducted in a group of 50 patients in the Post-Gra-duate Department of Orthopaedics, Govt. Medical College Srinagar, from July 2015 to July 2019 with cases followed for a minimum of 3 years. The mean UCLA score improved from 13.2 preoperatively to 29.56 at final follow-up. An excellent result was seen in 10 patients (20%), good in 34 (68%), fair in 3 (6%) and poor in 3 (6%) patients. Overall 88% of the patients achieved excellent or good results and 94% were satisfied. Persistent pain and excessive intraoperative bleeding were the most common complications in our study. 1. Distal clavicle excision through an indirect or subacromial approach is a safe and effective procedure with very few complications. 2. The subacromial approach gives the added advantage of evaluating any glenohumeral joint and subacromial pathology. 3. This procedure is associated with less pain and improved cosmesis in comparison to open procedures.

ObjectiveAcute acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is a common orthopedic injury that can significantly impair shoulder function and reduce quality of life. Effective treatment methods are essential to restore function and alleviate pain. To investigate the short-term clinical efficacy of the minimally invasive closed-loop double endobutton fixation assisted by orthopaedic surgery robot positioning system (TiRobot) in the treatment of AC joint dislocation, and to evaluate its feasibility and safety.MethodsThe clinical data of 19 patients with AC joint dislocation who underwent treatment with closed-loop double Endobutton fixation assisted by TiRobot between May 2020 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, the Constant Murley Score (CMS), and shoulder abduction range of motion were assessed and compared preoperatively and at the last follow-up. Computed tomography (CT) parameters of the acromioclavicular joint, including acromioclavicular distance (ACD), the distance between the upper and lower Endobutton (DED), the horizontal distance between the anterior edge of the distal clavicle and the anterior edge of the acromion (DACC), the diameter of the clavicular tunnel (DCT), and coracoid tunnel diameter (DC), were compared at 2 days, and 1 month after surgery, as well as at the last follow-up, along with the evaluation of intraoperative and postoperative complications.ResultsThe postoperative VAS, CMS, and shoulder-abduction range of motion were significantly improved compared with the preoperative (all, P<0.05). The statistical analysis showed no significant difference in the CT image parameters of the acromioclavicular joint at 2 days and 1 month after surgery(all, P>0.05). Comparisons of DCT and DC revealed statistically significant differences between the last follow-up and 1 month after surgery (P<0.05), and no statistically significant difference was found in ACD, DED, and DACC(all, P>0.05). There were no complications such as infection or vascular or neurological damage, no cases of rostral or clavicle fractures, loss of reduction, heterotopic ossification, shoulder stiffness, and no loosening or breaking of internal fixations.ConclusionClosed-loop double endobutton internal fixation assisted by TiRobot is an ideal method for the treatment of acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation. This method has the advantages of relatively simple operation, more accurate localization of bone tunnel during operation, less surgical trauma, and good recovery of shoulder function.

Clavicle fracture and acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation are common injuries in the shoulder; of these, clavicle fracture accounts for approximately 2.6% to 4% of systemic fractures and 44% of shoulder trauma, and ACJ dislocation accounts approximately 9% of shoulder trauma. However, a combined injury involving a fracture of the middle third of the clavicle and dislocation of the ACJ is quite uncommon. Herein, we report a case of a young male recreational baseball player with simultaneous ipsilateral mid-clavicle fractures and unilateral dislocation of the ACJ. The deduction of the mechanism behind ACJ dislocation with midshaft clavicle fracture and the surgical treatment employed to manage the injury are described, followed by a discussion.

Subcoracoid acromioclavicular joint dislocation (Rockwood type VI) sustained in motorcycle crash: A case report

Patients with complex distal clavicle and acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries are at risk of loss of reduction, especially when plates are removed postoperatively. The purpose is to review the authors' preferred technique for treatment of distal clavicle and AC joint injuries utilizing combined suture button and plate fixation, aiming to optimize biomechanical strength of fixation and limit loss of reduction after implant removal. Pre-contoured locking plates or hook plates were utilized atop suture buttons to maintain reduction and optimize biomechanical strength. At final follow-up over one year after plate removal and suture button retention in thirteen patients, reduction was maintained to coracoclavicular interval 1.5 ± 1.4mm less than contralaterally. DASH scores at final follow-up averaged 5.7 ± 2.5 (range: 3.3-11.7). Placing suture button fixation prior to and beneath plate fixation in complex AC joint injuries and distal clavicle fractures allows for maintained fixation and prevents loss of reduction after plate removal.

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BackgroundOs acromiale can be potentially missed or misdiagnosed as acromion fracture, and this can affect treatment determination if it is complicated with an ipsilateral shoulder injury. The clavicle hook plate is a widely used technique for distal clavicle injuries, leading to transacromial erosion, particularly when in the presence of os acromiale.Case presentationA 70-year-old man and a 78-year-old man who had limited mobility and severe pain in their right shoulders following falls attended the emergency center. Both patients were diagnosed with os acromiale with CT or MRI and acute distal clavicle fracture or acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Following a comprehensive evaluation, os acromiale may limit the application of a clavicle hook plate due to potential transacromial erosion. The distal clavicle fracture with ipsilateral os acromiale received treatment with a volar radius locking T plate, and the acromioclavicular joint dislocation with ipsilateral os acromiale was reconstructed using suture anchors. Both yielded satisfactory outcomes and voided transacromial erosion.ConclusionsIpsilateral os acromiale may be a relative contraindication to the clavicle hook plate. An axillary lateral radiograph is recommended to detect potential os acromiale in patients using a hook plate.

Review of available English literature suggests that combined injuries involving a clavicle shaft fracture and an acromioclavicular (AC) separation are rare. The force dissipation after the occurrence of either a midshaft clavicle fracture or an AC separation typically renders the injuries mutually exclusive. This article presents a review of literature on this combined injury pattern. A variety of treatment approaches have been put forth, including nonoperative, operative, and hybrid management of the two distinct injuries. The most appropriate treatment rendered depends on the degree of AC joint instability. This case report involves a midshaft clavicle fracture associated with a type IV AC separation in a patient ejected during a high-speed motor vehicle collision. Internal fixation of each injury was chosen and the patient had a successful final result. Other reported treatment options and recommendations are reviewed.

The optimal treatment for acute dislocation of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint remains unclear, and prior randomized trials did not reveal any significant improvements in the operative groups. However, it is clear that some patients treated nonoperatively are dissatisfied with their outcome and request surgical correction. This video demonstrates one method of repair of a chronic dislocation of the AC joint in a patient with significant symptomatology following nonoperative treatment of a high-grade AC dislocation. This video demonstrates the open reduction of a chronically dislocated AC joint. After mobilization of the distal clavicle and debridement of the joint, a step cut is made in the anterior surface of the distal clavicle. The coracoacromial (CA) ligament is then identified and mobilized, taking care to preserve its acromial origin. An anterior acromioplasty is then performed with a microsaggital saw. The AC joint is reduced, and the acromial fragment is sculpted to fit the step cut in the distal clavicle, where it is then fixed with a small-fragment cancellous screw in lag fashion. The blade of the hook plate is then contoured to fit under the acromion (posteriorly) to hold the joint in a reduced position. The deltoid is repaired with number 1 absorbable sutures, followed by a standard closure. Results are improved and complications minimized when care is taken to not avoid overreduction of the clavicle: an intraoperative radiograph, and/or comparison to the opposite side, may be useful. We do not shorten or resect the entire distal clavicle: this has been shown to lead to worse outcomes. We have found that CA transfer with a fragment of attached acromial bone results in more reliable healing than a CA transfer alone (the Weaver-Dunn transfer). In the setting of a chronic AC dislocation, hook plate fixation provides excellent reduction of the joint and a stable mechanical environment: this allows for the optimal healing of the ligament transfer. Typically, 6-12 months postoperatively, the hook plate can be removed to improve motion and reduce local irritation because joint stability is then provided by the transfer with bone-to-bone healing.

Biplanar fixation of acromio-clavicular joint dislocation associated with coracoid process fracture: Case report