ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Minerva Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2002 March;53(1):31-6

Copyright © 2002 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Surgical treatment of third degree acute and symptomatic acromioclavicular dislocations. Experience of the Orthopedic Clinic in Verona

Castellarin G., Vecchini E., Sembenini P., Ruffinella D., Ricci M.

Background. The treatment of third degree acromioclavicular dislocation is relatively controversial and this article reports our personal experience at the Orthopedic Clinic at Verona University.
Methods. The series included 15 patients with symptomatic, third degree acromioclavicular dislocation which revealed functional deficit with or without shoulder pain. The treatment we proposed was surgical using resection of the acromioclavicular menisci, percutaneous synthesis of the joint using 2 Kirschner wires and double coracoclavicular cerclage with absorbable wire. The evaluation was made using X-ray and clinical assessment. The latter was based on a score card covering both objective and subjective parameters.
Results. The mean follow-up was 21 months. No patient complained of pain or articular deficit. All patients were satisfied with treatment and returned to normal activities; no complication was reported.
Conclusions. This experience shows the validity of this surgical procedure which is indicated in symptomatic forms of third degree acromioclavicular dislocation.