• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.175-180
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• 2014

Background: For Neer type IIB fracture of distal clavicle with coracoclavicular ligament injury, various surgical treatments have been used in literatures. However, there was no consensus on the optimal treatment. The aim of this study is to report the clinical and radiological results of open reduction and internal fixation of unstable distal clavicle fracture and suture augmentation of disrupted coracoclavicular ligament. Methods: A prospective study was performed in 23 patients with Neer type IIB distal clavicle fracture in Seoul Medical Center, Eulji Hospital, and National Medical Center. Firstly, suture anchors are inserted in the base of coracoid process and preliminary reduction was achieved by tie-off of three suture limbs around the clavicle. Then, the final fixation was completed with anatomical locking plate. Bony union and the distance between coracoclavicular ligaments were evaluated. Clinical results and complications including stiffness and secondary procedures were evaluated. Results: Bony union was achieved in all cases except one (22 of 23). At mean 14.9 months, no significant difference in the mean coracoclavicular distance was observed compared to uninjured shoulder ($8.2{\pm}7.9mm$ versus $7.3{\pm}3.4mm$, p=0.14). Pain visual analogue scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score were 0.5, 83.4, 78.5, and 6.2, respectively. Revision surgery was performed in one case of nonunion. Four patients who complained of skin irritation underwent implant removal. Conclusions: In cases of an unstable distal clavicle fracture with coracoclavicular ligament disruption, satisfactory clinical results were obtained by locking plate fixation and coracoclavicular ligament suture augmentation concurrently.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.133-137
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• 1999

Purpose: There are so many different methods with the their own advantages and disadvantages for acute AC dislocation and distal unstable clavicle fracture. We evaluated the usefulness of temporary Bosworth's coracoclavicular fixations using the cannulated screw and reviewed our clinical results. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 34 cases of temporary coracoclavicular fixations with cannulated screw and washer for acute AC dislocation(25cases in the Type V, Ⅲ) and distal unstable clavicle fracture(9cases in the Type ⅡB, Ⅱ+Ⅲ). All cases were fixed by the same techniques, guided cannulated screw under C-arm after the repair of the CC ligament within 1 week. Bases on the regular check, screws were removed at the 6-12 weeks under local anesthesia. The final clinical and radiological results(average 14 months follow-up) were rated with the UCLA scale. Results : All shoulders were gained nearly full ROM passively at the 3-4 weeks. The overall satisfactory resuIts(excellent or good) were achieved 88%(22/25) in the acute AC dislocation and all in the distal unstable clavicle fracture. There were no definite complications except three initial fixations loosening. Conclusion: Temporary Bosworth's coracoclavicular fixation using the cannulated screw with guided pin was simple precedure and provided enough initial stability for acute AC dislocation and distal unstable clavicle fracture.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.230-235
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• 2017

Background: Neer type II distal clavicle fractures have the drawback of coracoclavicular instability and insufficient distal bony fragment, thereby making it difficult to achieve adequate fixation. Although various surgical treatments have been described for Neer type II fracture, the optimal treatment remains controversial. This study reports the clinical results and usefulness of anatomical locking plate with additional K-wire fixation. Methods: A totally of 21 patients with type II distal clavicle fracture were included in the study. The surgical procedure reduced the fracture temporarily; it included insertion of one or two K-wire from the lateral margin of the distal fragment to the proximal fragment through the fracture site, followed by application and fixation of the locking plate. The bony union and migration of K-wire was evaluated in the follow-up radiography. The coracoclavicular distance and acromioclavicular joint arthrosis were assessed at the final follow-up. The Constant Score (CS) and Korean Shoulder Score (KSS) were evaluated for clinical scoring. Results: Bone union was achieved in all cases. At the final follow-up, coracoclavicular distance of the injured shoulder was increased, as compared to the intact shoulder (p=0.002), with no accompanying clinical symptoms. No K-wire migration was observed. At the final follow-up, K-wire irritation was observed in two cases and acromioclavicular arthrosis in one case, with no other adverse effects. Pain visual analogue scale, CS, and KSS were improved in all cases. Conclusions: The method of anatomical locking plate with additional K-wire fixation could be useful in achieving beneficial clinical results.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.194-201
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• 2010

Purpose: We evaluated clinical and radiological results for open reduction and internal fixation of acromioclavicular dislocation without coracoclavicular ligament repair after removal of implants. Materials and methods: Clinical and radiological results were obtained for 53 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of an acromioclavicular joint dislocation between 1998 and 2007. A total of 21 patients were treated with a modified-Phemister method and 32 patients were treated with a Hook plate method. All subjects were surveyed after removal of their implants. The Constant scoring system was administered postoperatively to evaluate clinical results. Radiologic outcomes were evaluated by both coracoclavicular intervals on plain films. Results: Constant scores were $87.59{\pm}7.8$ in the Phemister group and $89.35{\pm}5.3$ in the Hook plate group. For both groups, the mean coracoclavicular interval at preoperative radiography was 15.9 mm at the injured site and 8.0 mm at the opposite site. After metal removal, the mean difference between coracoclavicular distances between normal and injured sites were 1.0 mm for the Hook plate group and 1.2 mm for the modified Phemister method group (p>0.05). Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation of an acromioclavicular joint without coracoclavicular ligament repair shows good long-term clinical and radiological results.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.140-147
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• 2023

Background: The management of acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation remains controversial. Recently, anatomic coracoclavicular (CC) fixation with a double clavicular tunnel and three flip-buttons has shown promising results. This study aimed to evaluate functional and radiological outcomes in patients with high-grade AC joint dislocation treated with anatomic CC fixation using double clavicular tunnels and three flip-buttons. Methods: A retrospective, unicentric study was performed. The study included patients with high-grade AC joint dislocation who underwent surgery with anatomic CC fixation using double clavicular tunnels and three flip-buttons. Demographic data were obtained from medical records. A functional evaluation using subjective shoulder value (SSV), visual analog scale (VAS), and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaires was performed, and an evaluation of preoperative and postoperative comparative Zanca view images was performed. Factors associated with functional outcomes and radiological AC reduction were analyzed. Results: A total of 83 patients completed follow-up and were included in the analysis. The mean SSV, VAS, and DASH scores were 92.8, 0.8, and 6.4, respectively. Patients who had complications experienced significantly worse functional outcomes (DASH: P=0.037). Suboptimal final AC reduction was observed in nine patients (11.1%), and significantly more frequently in patients older than 40 years (P=0.031) and in surgeries performed more than 7 days after injury (P=0.034). There were two reoperations (2.4%). Conclusions: Anatomic CC fixation with a double clavicular tunnel and three flip-buttons leads to good functional outcomes, low complication rates, and high rates of optimal AC reduction.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.59-67
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• 2017

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical and radiological results of the all-arthroscopic, suture-button fixation technique to treat acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations. Methods: All patients with acute AC joint separations received all-arthroscopic, single suture-button (TightRope) procedure without a special guide. Postoperative Constant score (CS), pain level according to visual analogue scale, and range of motion (ROM) were evaluated. For radiological evaluation, coracoclavicular distances were measured bilaterally. Results: Between December 2010 and June 2012, 18 consecutive patients (4 women and 14 men; mean age, 29.3 years) with acute AC joint separations underwent surgical treatment after 6.4 days (range, 2-20 days) following the initial trauma. The average postoperative follow-up was 16.9 months. The mean CS was 92.4 (range, 84-96). The mean external rotation, forward flexion, and abduction were $75.8^{\circ}$ (range, $50^{\circ}-90^{\circ}$), $170^{\circ}$ (range, $150^{\circ}-180^{\circ}$), and $163.8^{\circ}$ (range, $140^{\circ}-180^{\circ}$), respectively. Five patients exhibited coracoclavicular ossifications. In two patients, superficial wound infections were successfully treated with antibiotic therapy. In one patient, a coracoid fracture was observed. No significant differences were found regarding pain, ROM, or strength parameters between both sides. The coracoclavicular distance was discovered to be approximately 2.8 mm greater on the affected side; however, this minimal reduction loss did not affect the functional results. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggests that all-arthroscopic treatment of AC joint separations using the single suture-button technique without a drill guide is safe, yielding good to excellent clinical results.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.373-379
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• 2023

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the association between smoking and clinical outcomes of hook plate fixation for acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries. Methods: This study retrospectively investigated 82 patients who underwent hook plate fixation for acute AC joint dislocation between March 2014 to June 2022. The patients were grouped by smoking status, with 49 in group N (nonsmokers) and 33 in group S (smokers). Functional scores and active range of motion were compared among the groups at the 1-year follow-up. Coracoclavicular distance (CCD) was measured, and difference with the uninjured side was compared at initial injury and 6 months after implant removal. Results: No significant differences were observed between the two groups in demographic factors such as age and sex, as well as parameters related to initial injury status, which included time from injury to surgery, the preoperative CCD difference value, and the Rockwood classification. However, the postoperative CCD difference was significantly higher in group S (3.1±2.6 mm) compared to group N (1.7±2.4 mm). Multivariate regression analysis indicated that smoking and the preoperative CCD difference independently contributed to an increase in the postoperative CCD difference. Despite the radiographic differences, the postoperative clinical outcome scores and active range of motion measurements were comparable between the groups. Conclusions: Smoking had a detrimental impact on ligament healing after hook plate fixation for acute AC joint dislocations. This finding emphasizes the importance of smoking cessation to optimize reduction maintenance after AC joint injury. Level of evidence: III.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.24-29
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• 2001

Purpose: To describe a technique of the modified Neviaser method and to evaluate the clinical outcome of the technique in the treatment of the complete acromioclavicular joint dislocation, Materials and Method: We evaluated 20 patients who were treated by a modified Neviaser method from June 1996 to January 1999, They were followed up for a minimum of two years. The operative technique includes fixation of the acromioclavicular joint, repair of coracoclavicular ligament and transfer of the anterolateral band of coracoacromial ligament. Results: The 20 patients were evaluated clinically using Kang's criteria. The satisfactory results obtained in 85%. The mean coracoclavicular interval ratio was decreased from 2.22 preoperatively to 1.07 postoperatively. At the time of two year follow-up, the mean ratio was 1.20. There was no definite complication such as re-dislocation of the joint. Conclusion: In above type 3 acromioclavicular dislocation, the modified Neviaser method provided the advantage of strong and stable fixation with a low complication rate. Therefore, it is thought to be one of the useful operative technique.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.93-99
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• 2019

Background: Modified Phemister operation has been widely used for the treatment of acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation. Additionally, the use of suture anchor for coracoclavicular (CC) fixation has been reported to provide CC stability. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of a modified Phemister operation with CC ligament augmentation using suture anchor for acute AC joint dislocation. Methods: Seventy-four patients underwent the modified Phemister operation with CC ligament augmentation using suture anchor for acute AC joint dislocation and were followed-up for an average of 12.3 months. The visual analogue scale (VAS), range of motion, Constant score, and Korean shoulder scoring system (KSS) were used for clinical assessment. Acromioclavicular interval (ACI), coracoclavicular distance (CCD), and acromioclavicular distance (ACD) were obtained to evaluate the radiological assessments. Results: At the last follow-up, the mean VAS Score was 1.7 points, the mean joint range of the forward flexion was $164.6^{\circ}$, external rotation at the side was $61.2^{\circ}$ and internal rotation to the posterior was a level of T12. The mean Constant score and the mean KSS was 82.7 points and 84.2 points, respectively. At the mean ACI, CCD, and ACD, significant differences were found preoperatively and at the last follow-up. When the ACI, CCD, and ACD were compared with the contralateral unaffected shoulder at the last follow-up, the affected shoulders had significantly higher values. Conclusions: The modified Phemister operation with CC ligament augmentation using suture anchor is clinically and radiologically effective at acute AC joint dislocation.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.13-18
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the radiologic and clinical results of the arthroscopic coracoclavicular fixation of the acute acromioclavicular dislocation using $TightRope^{(R)}$ (Arthrex, Inc, Naples, FL). Materials and Methods: We performed the arthroscopic coracoclavicular fixation using $TightRope^{(R)}$ in twenty patients with the Rockwood type III or V acute acromioclavicular dislocation between February, 2009, and February, 2010. Mean follow-up was 13.4(range 8~22) months. Radiologic results were evaluated by comparing the distances between the clavicle and the coracoid process with those in the contralateral sides using the acromioclavicular stress radiographs. Clinical results were made according to the KSS(Korean Shoulder Scoring System), and the cosmetic satisfaction of the patient was assessed. Results: Radiologically, 18 cases showed excellent, 1 case showed good and 1 case showed fair results. Clinically, KSS was mean 98.5 (range 92~100) points and all cases revealed satisfactory cosmetic results. Because one case complained of skin tenderness and discomfort of palpation, we closed the knot with surrounding muscle & fascia. Then local wound infection occurred, so we treated it by incision and drainage under local anesthesia and antibiotic therapy for 2 weeks. Conclusion: Arthroscopic coracoclavicular fixation using $TightRope^{(R)}$ for treating the Rockwood type III or V acute acromioclavicular dislocation showed satisfactory radiologic and clinical results. It seems to be a good treatment method that has little postoperative complication, provides an early rehabilitation and an excellent cosmetic result, and does not require secondary operation for removal of metal implant.