Coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction for acute acromioclavicular dislocation using suture anchors and allogeneic tendon graft

Objective To investigate the surgical techniques and clinical outcomes of treating acute acromioclavicular(AC) joint dislocations with coracoclavicular (CC) ligament reconstruction using allogeneic tendon graft and suture anchors.Methods From January 2009 to May 2012,17 patients with acute AC joint dislocation were treated in our department using allogeneic tendon graft reconstruction of the CC ligament combined with suture anchors.According to Rockwood classification,there were 10 cases of type Ⅲ,2 cases of type Ⅳ,and 5 cases of type Ⅴ.The Constant-Murley score and radiographs were used to assess surgical outcomes.Results All the patients were follow-up for 12 to 26 months,with an average of 16.3 months.All patients maintained their previous jobs and normal daily activities of living.The mean Constant-Murley score at the last follow-up was (93.70 ± 1.85) points on the injured side and (95.80 ± 1.18) points on the uninjured contralateral side.There was no statistically significant difference(t =0.640,P =0.43).The mean CC distance measured on the anteroposterior shoulder X-rays was (14.02 ± 1.98) mm before the surgery,(8.32 ± 0.46) mm immediately after the surgery and (8.49 ± 0.48) mm at last follow-up.The preoperative and postoperative CC distances were significantly different (t =12.984,P =0.000),while no significant difference was observed between immediate postoperative CC distance and CC distance at last follow-up (t =-5.821,P =0.24).There were no wound infection,neurovascular injury,implant loosening or other severe complications.Conclusion CC ligament reconstruction using suture anchors and allogenetic tendon graft in acute complete AC dislocation is a reliable technique for restoring stability to the AC joint. Key words: Dislocations;  Suture technique;  Acromioclavicular joint;  Coracoclavicular ligament;  Reconstruction