• 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.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.188-193
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• 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
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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.8 no.2
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• pp.88-96
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• 2005

Purpose: To compare and analyze the outcome of primary clavicular lateral end resection method and conventional acromioclavicular (AC) joint reduction method in type III AC dislocation patients over 45 years. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on selected 24 cases of type III AC dislocation patients, over 45 years of age, operated at our hospital from 1998 to 2002. Group I consist of 12 patients who underwent primary clavicular lateral end resection methods (average age: 54.3 years$(45{\sim}72)$). Group II consist of 7 patients using Bosworth methods and 5 patients using Phemister methods (average age: 54.4 years$(45{\sim}71)$). Clinical outcome was evaluated by Weaver and Dunn method. Radiological results were compared by measuring coracoclavicular distance between normal and injured side. Results: As clinical outcome, good was 10 cases(83%); fair 2(17%) in Group I, and good 6(50%); fair 3(25%); poor 3(25%) in Group II. In contrast, the difference of coracoclavicular distance was not statistically significant between two groups before or after surgery, and last follow up. At the last follow up, there was no special correlation between the difference of coracoclavicular distance and clinical outcome. Conclusion: We considered that primary clavicular lateral end resection may be effective for prevention of arthrosis in AC joint in type III AC dislocation patients over 45 years.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.114-119
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• 2014

Background: To evaluate clinical and radiological outcome using AO hook locking plate in acute acromioclavicular joint injuries. Methods: This study was based on patients with Rockwood type 3 or 5 acromioclavicular joint injuries who received surgery with AO hook locking plate from June 2008 until June 2009. Among the 22 patients, 19 of them were male and 3 were female, the mean age was $44.4{\pm}15.57$ years (20-72 years) and follow-up period was $15.5{\pm}3.90$ months (12-23 months). Preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the final follow-up after the plate removal, both coracoclavicular distances were measured from the anteroposterior radiograph. Also, the Shoulder Rating Scale of the University of California at Los Angeles scores (UCLA scores), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores (ASES scores), Constant scores, and the Korean Shoulder Society scores (KSS scores) were measured at the final followup to evaluate the function of the shoulder joint. Results: At the time of injury, the mean coracoclavicular distance of the injured side was $17.69{\pm}4.23mm$ (9.57-27.82 mm) and the unaffected side was $7.55{\pm}2.20mm$ (3.24-13.05 mm). The mean coracoclavicular distance measured postoperatively and at the final follow-up was $6.87{\pm}2.34mm$ (4.07-14.13 mm) and $8.47{\pm}2.96mm$ (4.37-17.48 mm), respectively. The mean UCLA, ASES, Constant, and KSS scores measured in the final follow-up were $33.5{\pm}1.30$ (31-35), $90.8{\pm}8.36$ (72-100), $78.6{\pm}8.80$ (62-100), and $94.4{\pm}5.08$ (84-100) each. Conclusions: From this short-term research, the surgical treatment using AO hook locking plates in acute acromioclavicular joint injuries is clinically and radiographically satisfying and considered as a useful treatment method.

• 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.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.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.1 no.2
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• pp.175-179
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• 1998

The acromioclavicular joint is commonly affected by traumatic and degenerative conditions. Most injuries are due to direct trauma, such as a fall on the shoulder. Although there is general agreement on treatment of type I, Ⅱ, Ⅳ, V and VI acromioclavicular injuries, the treatment of type Ⅲ injuries remains controversial. Sixty patients, ranging in age from 19 to 57 years(average, 32), were evaluated an average of 57.5 (range, 13 to 96) months after surgical reconstruction for Rockwood type Ⅲ Ⅳ, V acromioclavicular dislocation. Phemister method (47 cases), Bosworth (3 cases), Weaver and Dunn method (10 cases) were used to correct displacement. An increase of the coracoclavicular distance of the injured shoulder over the normal shoulder was average 7.1㎜ at initial, average l㎜ on postoperatively, and average 2㎜ at follow-up. Overall, 54 of 60(90%) patients achieved satisfactory results. Degree of increase of the coracoclavicular distance has no inliluence to clinical results.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.209-216
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to compare treatment results of two different surgical techniques for chronic acromioclavicular joint dislocations. Materials and Methods: Fifty consecutive patients diagnosed as chronic acromioclavicular joint dislocations between January 1997 and June 2009 were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two different groups. Patients in the first group (n=20) were treated using a modified Weaver and Dunn method using a simple coracoacromial ligament transfer method. Patients in the other group (n=30) were treated with acromial bone-block transfer containing coracoacromial ligament. Mean follow-up times for the two groups were 13.1 and 14.9 months, respectively. Results: At 1 year postoperatively, mean coracoclavicular distance, the VAS score and the ASES score for the Weaver-Dunn method group; for the bone block transfer method group were 3.8 mm (-3 to 6 mm), 3.5 (1.0 to 7.0) and 91.1 (81.66 to 95); 3 mm (-2 to 6 mm), 4.2 (1.0 to 7.5) and 79.6 (31.66 to 95). There were no significant differences in radiologic (p=0.377) and functional (p=0.093) results between the two groups. Failures in the former and latter group were, respectively, two and one. Conclusion: The bone block transfer method shows a tendency to maintain coracoclavicular distance and appeared to yield similar results as the modified Weaver Dunn method.