The Displacement of the Clavicle is a Better Predictor of Surgical Intervention in the Non-Operatively Treated Acromioclavicular Dislocation than the Increase in Coracoclavicular Distance

Objectives: Acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries are common and constitute approximately 3.2% of all shoulder injuries. Traditionally Rockwood Types I and II are treated conservatively, Type III dislocations are controversial, and Types IV, V, and VI AC dislocations are indicated for surgery. Little is known about nonoperative treatment of Type V AC dislocations especially in active populations. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes between Type V AC dislocations treated initially with acute surgical intervention versus those treated conservatively and to identify potential risk factors associated with failure of non-operative treatment.