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Introduction The current literature describes various operative stabilization strategies which achieve good clinical outcomes after acute acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation. The aim of this study was to compare the mid-term clinical and sonographic treatment outcomes after minimally invasive mini-open and arthroscopic reconstruction. Materials and methods We conducted a retrospective two-center study of patients with acute ACJ dislocation. Surgical treatment was performed using either a mini-open approach (MIOP) or an arthroscopic technique (AR). The primary outcome parameters of this study were the sonographically measured acromioclavicular (ACD) and coracoclavicular distances (CCD). Secondary outcome parameters included the Constant–Murley score (CS), range of motion (ROM), postoperative pain scale (VAS), return to daily routine, return to sports, complications, as well as operative revisions. Results After a mean follow-up of 29 months, 30 patients were included in this study with an average age of 41.3 ± 14.8 years (MIOP) and 41.2 ± 15.4 years (AR). The sonographic ACD (MIOP 9.11 mm vs. AR 8.93 mm, p  = 0.41) and CCD (MIOP 25.08 mm vs. AR 24.36 mm, p  = 0.29) distances showed no statistically significant differences. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference when compared to the contralateral side ( p  = 0.42). With both techniques, patients achieved excellent clinical outcome parameters without statistically significant differences in CS (MIOP 95 vs. AR 97, p  = 0.11) and VAS (MIOP 1.76 vs. AR 1.14, p  = 0.18). The return to daily activity and return to sport rates did not differ. There were neither complications nor revisions in both groups. Conclusion Both minimally invasive techniques for acute ACJ stabilization achieved excellent clinical and sonographic outcomes without one technique being statistically superior to the other.

Background Acromioclavicular (AC) joint trauma is a frequent sports injury. Modified Weaver Dunn (MWD) is a commonly used technique to address this injury. However, tendinous grafts (Autogenous Palmaris Longus or Semitendinosus tendons) are increasingly being used due to the biologic weakness of MWD. Methods Three search was done until January 2024 with data extraction consisting of adverse events (infections and failures), Constant-Murley score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and postoperative coracoclavicular distance. Results Four studies were included in this metaanalysis. Tendinous graft was shown to have statistically better ASES and Constant-Murley scores. Furthermore, there were no difference in adverse events, and postoperative coracoclavicular distance. Conclusion The tendinous graft showed no differences in adverse events, and postoperative coracoclavicular distance when compared to modified Weaver Dunn. However, it showed higher postoperative ASES and Constant-Murley score without analysis of the minimal clinical important difference making the difference solely statistical. Level of evidence 3.

Background/Objectives: Dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) is a common injury for which numerous operative fixation and reconstructive techniques have been described. This technique combines a coracoclavicular ligament (CC) repair with an acromioclavicular ligament (AC) and CC reconstruction with an additional ACJ internal brace to address both horizontal and vertical instability. Methods: The surgery is performed through a superior approach in the following sequence: (1) CC ligaments are repaired using a TightRope construct, (2) CC reconstruction is performed using a peroneus longus tendon allograft, (3) AC ligaments are repaired using an internal brace, and (4) AC reconstruction is performed with a second peroneus longus tendon allograft. The results of consecutive patients with grade IIIB, IV, and V AC joint dislocations were included. Results: Six patients with acute and six patients with chronic injuries were eligible for inclusion. The Constant–Murley Score improved significantly from 27.6 (8.0–56.5) to 61.5 (42.0–92.0) (p = 0.006 paired t-test) at 12 months of follow-up. There was one complication (frozen shoulder) from which the patient recovered spontaneously; no other complications were observed with this technique. The coracoclavicular distance (CCD) was reduced from 18.7 mm (13.0–24.0) to 10.0 mm (6.0–16.0, p < 0.001) and 10.5 mm (8.0–14.0, p = 0.002) at 12 weeks and 12 months, respectively. Conclusions: This study describes a new technique to treat acute and chronic Rockwood stage IIIB–V ACJ dislocations with promising short-term clinical and radiological results. The results suggest that the combined repair and reconstruction of the AC and CC ligaments is a safe procedure with low complication risk in experienced hands. Addressing the vertical and horizontal stability in ACJ dislocation is key to achieving optimal long-term results. Further, follow-up is required to investigate the long-term outcomes.

Background: The severity of acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is evaluated through bilateral anterior-posterior radiographs of the AC joint. AC joint dislocations are graded based on the classification system of Rockwood, which is the foundation for further decision-making regarding therapy regimen. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to simulate technical irregularities in obtaining panoramic views and the effect they might have on the measured coracoclavicular (CC) distance. It was hypothesized that vertical tilt and horizontal rotation of the radiographic panoramic view of the AC joints affect the measured CC distance and, therefore, the Rockwood classification and reliability of the measurement method. Study Design: Level IV, Diagnosis Study, Case Series. Methods: A retrospective analysis including 14 patients with AC joint dislocations and available computed tomography scans of the upper body was conducted. Three-dimensional models of a simulated bilateral panoramic view were tilted and rotated from −15° to 15° in 5° increments around the vertical and horizontal axes. Three raters with different experience levels independently measured the CC distance and repeated this process with a minimum 6-week interval. The intra- and interclass correlation coefficients for intra- and interrater reliability were calculated. Changes in CC distance and Rockwood classification due to rotation or tilt were reported. Results: The measurements of intra- and interclass correlation coefficients in the neutral (0° position) showed a high intra- and interrater reliability (0.878 and 0.952 for intrarater reliability; 0.851 and 0.952 for interrater reliability). By adding vertical tilt and horizontal rotation to simulated panoramic views, the intra- and interreliability of the 3 raters decreased. Vertical tilt showed a higher impact on the measurement reliability than horizontal rotation. In 10 of 14 cases, the initially determined Rockwood classification changed through adding tilt (9/14) or rotation (5/14). In 5 cases, the injury was graded more severe. In 3 cases, the classification was changed to a milder grade according to Rockwood. In 2 cases, the injury was changed to a higher or a lower type in the Rockwood classification, respectively, depending on the amount of tilt or rotation. Of the 10 cases that were reclassified by tilt and rotation, 5 were Rockwood type 3 injuries. Conclusion: Vertical tilt and horizontal rotation in simulated panoramic views of the AC joints were demonstrated to have a significant influence on CC distances and Rockwood classification as well as intra- and interrater reliability. This effect was more pronounced with a higher degree of tilt/rotation. This may affect clinical decision-making, whether to treat this injury nonoperatively or operatively. Clinical Relevance: The panoramic view is widely used as the gold standard for diagnosing and classifying AC joint dislocations according to Rockwood. Thus, it is a decisive criterion to choose the best treatment. This study investigates the reliability of the radiographic diagnosis of AC joint dislocations when adding tilt and rotation, which may occur in clinical practice while obtaining the panoramic view.

Background: The side-comparative coracoclavicular (CC) distance is used to describe the vertical instability component of acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations. Elevation of the clavicle or a depression of the shoulder girdle can lead to an increased CC distance. The dislocation direction has not yet been investigated and is not included in common classification systems. Hypothesis: Clavicle elevation is primarily responsible for vertical dislocation in AC joint separation. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Weighted and nonweighted bilateral plain anteroposterior views of the shoulder girdles of patients with AC joint dislocations (Rockwood [RW] types III and V), diagnosed in our trauma department between 2001 and 2018, were included in this study. After determining the CC distance, a side-comparative determination of the positions of both the clavicle and shoulder girdle, with reference to the spinal column, was conducted. Results: In total, 245 bilateral plain anteroposterior views were evaluated (RW III, n = 116; RW V, n = 129). All patients showed a side-comparative clavicle elevation (mean ± SD: RW III, 5 ± 14 mm; RW V, 11 ± 17 mm) in weighted and nonweighted views. While no depression of the shoulder girdle was measured in RW III injuries (weighted and nonweighted views, 0 ± 11 mm), dropping of the shoulder girdle in RW V lesions on nonweighted views was observed (–5 ± 11 mm). Conclusion: Vertical dislocation is mostly associated with clavicle elevation in RW III injures, while in high-grade AC joint dislocations (RW V), a combination of clavicle elevation and shoulder girdle depression is present. A significantly greater superior displacement of the clavicle in RW V injuries was seen in weighted views, while a depression of the shoulder girdle could be detected in nonweighted views. For the first time, these results include the dislocation direction in the classification of an AC joint injury. Further studies are needed to investigate the extent to which dislocation types differ in optimal therapy and outcome.

Purpose Optimal surgical treatment of high-grade acromioclavicular joint dislocations is still controversially discussed. The purpose of the present controlled laboratory study was to evaluate whether a polydioxansulfate (PDS ® ) cord augmentation with separate reconstruction of the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments and the acromioclavicular (AC) complex provides sufficient vertical stability in a biomechanical cadaver model. Methods Twenty-four shoulders of fresh-frozen cadaveric specimen were tested. Cyclic loading and load to failure protocol was performed in vertical direction on 12 native AC joints and repeated after reconstruction. The reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligament was performed using two CC PDS cerclages and an additional AC PDS cerclage. Results In static load testing for vertical force, the native AC joint complex measured 590.1 N (±95.8 N), elongation 13.4 mm (±2.1 mm) and stiffness 48.7 N/mm (±12.0 N/mm). The mean maximum load to failure in the reconstructed joints was 569.9 N (±97.9 N), elongation 18.8 mm (±4.7 mm) and stiffness 37.9 N/mm (±8.0 N/mm). During dynamic testing of the reconstructed AC joints, all specimens reached the critical elongation of 12.0 mm, defined as clinical failure between 200 and 300 N. The mean amount of repetitions at clinical failure was 305. A plastic deformation of the reconstructed specimens throughout cyclic loading could not be detected. Conclusion The AC joint reconstruction with acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular PDS cord cerclages did not provide the aspired vertical stability in a cadaver model. Level of evidence Basic Science Study.

Purpose To evaluate different stabilisation techniques for acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations, including direct AC repair, and to compare the properties of the stabilised and native joints. Methods An established in vitro testing model for the AC joint was used to analyse joint stability after surgical reconstruction [double TightRope (DTR), DTR with AC repair (DTR + AC), single TR with AC repair (TR + AC), and PDS sling with AC repair (PDS + AC)]. Twenty-four human cadaveric shoulders were randomised by age into four testing groups. Joint stiffness was measured by applying an axial load during defined physiological ranges of motion. Similar tests were performed for the native joints, after dissecting the coracoclavicular and AC ligaments, and after surgical reconstruction. Cyclic loading was performed for 1000 cycles with 20–70 N and vertical load to failure determined after cyclic testing. Results Axial stiffness for all TR groups was significantly higher than for the native joint (DTR 38.94 N/mm, p  = 0.005; DTR + AC 37.79 N/mm, p  = 0.015; TR + AC 45.61 N/mm, p  < 0.001 vs. native 26.05 N/mm). The axial stiffness of the PDS + AC group was similar to that of the native joint group (21.4 N/mm, n.s.). AC repair did not significantly influence rotational stiffness. Load to failure was similar and >600 N in all groups (n.s.). Conclusion Reconstruction of AC dislocations with one or two TRs leads to stable results with a higher stiffness than the native joints. For the PDS + AC group, axial stiffness was similar to the native situation, although there might be a risk of elongation. Direct AC repair showed no significantly increased stability in comparison with reconstructions without direct AC repair. Thus, a direct AC repair seems to be dispensable in clinical practice, while TRs or PDS cerclages appear to provide sufficiently stable results.

Purpose Hook plate fixation is widely used to treat acromioclavicular joint dislocation. However, there are many post-operative complications affecting the effect of treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the clavicular hook plate with different hook angles as a method of treatment in AC joint dislocation, and to guide the clinical application of hook plate. Methods We prospectively analysed 54 patients who were diagnosed with AC joint dislocation and treated with hook plate fixation by different hook angles. The patients were randomised into three groups: the −20° < AHP < 0° group, the 20° > AHP > 0° group and the 40° > AHP > 20° group. All patients were required to conform to regular follow-up post-operatively. Routine imaging to the shoulder was obtained to evaluate maintenance of the dislocation and the implant. Constant-Murley criteria were used to evaluate functional results. Results There were 19 patients in the −20° < AHP < 0° group, with one lost to follow-up, 22 patients in the 20° > AHP > 0° group, with two male patients lost to follow-up, and one female patient excluded because of no follow-up consent, and 19 patients in the 40° > AHP > 20° group, with one female and one male patient lost to follow-up. The Constant score was 61.8 ± 12.8, 74.7 ± 9.2 and 70.7 ± 9.4 before implant removal, and 78.8 ± 8.3, 87.1 ± 6.4 and 85.0 ± 6.1 after implant removal in the −20° < AHP < 0°, 20° > AHP > 0° and 40° > AHP > 20° groups, respectively. The functional results of the 20° > AHP > 0° and 40° > AHP > 20° groups were significantly better than the −20° < AHP < 0° group ( P  < 0.05), but the functional results of the 20° > AHP > 0° and 40° > AHP > 20° groups were not statistically significant. The CCD was 98.1 ± 4.8%, 107.5 ± 5.1% and 105.5 ± 4.1% before implant removal, and 98.8 ± 4.6%, 108.3 ± 4.8% and 107.2 ± 3.3% after implant removal in the three groups, respectively. The CCD of the 20° > AHP > 0° and 40° > AHP > 20° groups were statistically significantly different from the −20° < AHP < 0° group ( P  < 0.001). However, there was no statistical difference between the 20° > AHP > 0° group and the 40° > AHP > 20° group. Post-operative persistent pain occurred in 18.5% of all patients, post-operative stiffness occurred in 25.9% of all patients and 24.0% of patients had subacromial erosion. Conclusions Hook plate treatment for AC joint dislocation can achieve the desired results, but the efficacy was significantly different depending on the different angles of the hook plate. AHP should be controlled within the range of 0–40° as much as possible when making clinical decisions.

Background Reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligament functions to restore anatomic alignment of the clavicle and may improve biomechanical function and clinical outcomes. Improper placement of the coracoclavicular tunnel may inherently weaken the coracoid. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of navigated image-free placement of K-wires for coracoclavicular tunnel position in comparison to conventional drill guide-based placement. Materials and methods Eight human shoulder specimens were assigned for conventional technique with a coracoclavicular guide device (group CP) and the paired contralateral side for the navigated procedure (group NP) with an optoelectronic system with a fluoro-free software module. First-pass accuracy (%) and the K-wire trajectory (lateral–center orientation (LC), center–center (CC) orientation and medial–center orientation (MC) were measured. Results In all navigated K-wires a 100 % first-pass accuracy was observed. In three of the eight (37.5 %) specimens of the drill guide-based group, drilling had to be repeated. One of them had to be repeated twice, resulting in eight versus twelve drillings for the navigated versus conventional group, respectively ( p  = 0.021). K-wire trajectory showed an MC orientation in most of the specimen ( n  = 9, group NP 4, group CP 5). Conclusions Image-free navigated coracoclavicular drilling for the repair of acromioclavicular joint dislocation has higher first-pass accuracy in comparison to conventional drill guide-based placement and, therefore, may enable a precise anatomic position of the drill holes and reduce the risk of an iatrogenic coracoid fracture.

Purpose A novel radiation-free electromagnetic navigation system (ENS)–based method was developed, and its feasibility and accuracy for transclavicular-transcoracoid drilling procedures were evaluated in an experimental setting. Methods Sixteen arthroscopically assisted electromagnetic navigated transcoracoid-transclavicular drilling procedures with subsequent TightRope ® device implantation were performed on eight human cadavers. Post-operative fluoroscopy and CT-scan analysis were acquired to determine tunnel placement accuracy. Optimal tunnel placement was defined as both the coracoid entry and exit point of the tunnel localized in the centre position of the coracoid base without cortical breach or fracture. Results Successful tunnel placement was accomplished in all 16 cases. The mean overall operation time was 30.3 ± 5.0 min. Regarding the coracoid exit point, 15 of 16 tunnels (93.8 %) were localized in the desired base-centre position. During the navigated drilling procedure, no misguidance of the drill requiring directional readjustments or restarts occurred. No cortical breach, no fractures and no complications occurred. Conclusions The electromagnetically navigated transcoracoid-transclavicular drilling procedure used in this study demonstrated high targeting accuracy, required no intraoperative radiographs, was associated with no complications and provided user-friendliness.