• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.46-52
• /
• 2008

Purpose: This study examined the outcomes of reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments with using two suture anchors and performing coracoacromial ligament transfer in patients with acromioclavicular dislocation. Material and methods: Forty patients with complete acromioclavicular dislocation were included in this study. According to the preoperative radiographs, 5 patients with AC dislocations were diagnosed as type III, 4 patients as type IV and 31 patients as type V. Two 3.5mm suture anchors with four strands of nonabsorbable sutures were separately placed on the anterolateral and posteromedial portion of the base of the coracoid process to stabilize the distal clavicle. The coracoacromial ligament was then transferred to the undersurface of the distal end of the clavicle for augmentation. Results: At a mean follow-up of 28 months, the average Constant score improved to 97 points. All the patients returned to normal life at an average of 3.2 months postoperatively. At the last follow-up, 37 patients achieved anatomical reduction and three patients showed complete redislocation. However, the clinical results of the patients with redislocation were satisfactory. Conclusion: Anatomical coracoclavicular reconstruction using two suture anchors and coracoacromial ligament transfer for treating complete acromioclavicular dislocation is a safe, effective procedure for restoring a physiologically stable acromioclavicular joint.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.1-5
• /
• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiologic and clinical outcomes after operative treatment using endobuttons for unstable distal clavicle fractures. Materials and Methods: Between October 2007 and September 2009, 9 consecutive patients who were followed up for at least more than 12 months after operative treatment using a TightRope$^{(R)}$ were studied. The radiologic results on the serial plain radiographs and the clinical results according to the American Shoulder Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score were analyzed. Result: Bony union was shown in 8 cases (88.9%) and the average time to union was 12.9 (range: 9~16) weeks. The average coracoclavicular distances at the postoperative and final follow-up were 5.6 mm and 6.2 mm, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). The average ASES score was 90.3 (range: 78~96) and the clinical outcomes were 6 excellent, 2 good and one fair. There were no complications such as implant failure or infection except for one case of nonunion due to loss of the initial reduction. Conclusion: A major advantage of TightRope$^{(R)}$ fixation for unstable distal clavicle fractures is that no further surgery is needed to remove the implant. We suggest that this technique provides an alternative for fracture with a distal fragment, which is difficult to fix.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.188-193
• /
• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of a modified Phemister method reinforcing the 4 strands of an Ethibond sling for acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Materials and Methods: Between September 1999 and May 2007, 30 acromioclavicular joint dislocation cases underwent a modified Phemister method reinforcing the 4 strands of an Ethibond sling. The average follow-up period was 28.2 months (range: 24~33 months). Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Weitzman classification; the state of coracoclavicular space reduction was done using radiologic findings. Results: According to the Weitzman classification, there were 24 excellent, 4 good and 2 fair case outcomes. The average coracoclavicular distance improved from 16.9 mm to 7.3 mm immediately after surgery. The average ratio of coracoclavicular distance comparing to the contralateral side at the final follow-up was 1.24 (range: 0.68~1.71). Complications included retraction of K-wires in 5 cases and restriction of joint motion in 4 cases. Conclusion: The modified Phemister operation using augmentation of the coracoclavicular ligament by 4 strands of Ethibond is an effective treatment modality in acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.115-122
• /
• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the results of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation treatment with coracoclavicular ligament augmentation using Tight-Rope$^{(R)}$ (Arthrex). Materials and Methods: From October 2009 to March 2011, 30 patients with acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation underwent coracoclavicular ligament augmentation using Tight-Rope$^{(R)}$ and were followed up for at least 12 months after surgery. The radiologic results were qualified according to serial plain radiographs, and the clinical results according to University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Scale, Constant score, and VAS pain score. Results: Using the UCLA scoring system, excellent results were observed in 22 cases (73%), good results in five cases (17%), fair results in two cases (7%), and a poor result in one case (3%). The average Constant score was $92.5{\pm}7.5$. According to radiologic results, anatomical reduction was achieved in 26 cases, and two cases showed a moderate loss of reduction, and two cases showed complete re-dislocation. Clinical results for patients with re-dislocation were unsatisfactory and reoperation was required. Conclusion: Coracoclavicular ligament augmentation using Tight-Rope$^{(R)}$ is a good option providing reliable functional results in patients with acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation.