Abstract
Objective To evaluate the clinical, radiological and functional results of the surgical treatment
of acute acromioclavicular dislocation using a coracoclavicular fixation technique
(syndesmopexy) with two metallic anchors, temporary clavicle and scapula fixation,
and transfer of the coracoacromial ligament.
Methods Longitudinal observational study of 30 patients with diagnoses of acute acromioclavicular
dislocation, who were submitted to surgical treatment with a minimum follow-up of
six months, and who were evaluated clinically, radiologically, and by the University
of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand
(DASH) and the Constant-Murley functional scores.
Results The mean values of the scores were: UCLA = 32; DASH = 11.21; and Constant-Murley = 86.93,
with satisfactory results higher than 80%. The unsatisfactory results were associated
with acromioclavicular pain on palpation, positive subacromial impingement tests,
and older age group, presenting statistical significance (p < 0.05). Radiologically, higher values on account of the coracoclavicular distance
ratio from the operated shoulder compared to the normal shoulder were related to worse
outcomes, but with no statistically significant difference. No associations were found
between the results of the functional scores and the variables degree of the injury,
coracoacromial ligament transfer, clinical impression of loss of reduction and scapulothoracic
dyskinesis.
Conclusion The technique used provides an efficient fixation, with a high level of satisfaction
according to the UCLA, Constant-Murley and DASH scores; moreover, it has a low complication
rate, despite the high rate of residual radiological acromioclavicular subluxation.
Keywords acromioclavicular joint - treatment outcome - suture anchors
