Anatomic reconstruction of chronic coracoclavicular ligament tears: arthroscopic-assisted approach with nonrigid mechanical fixation and graft augmentation

Presurgical perspective and postsurgical evaluation of acromioclavicular joint instability

Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocations are a common cause of pain in patients of any age. Athletes who participate in contact sports, such as hockey, football, rugby, and soccer, are particularly susceptible to such injuries. The ACJ has an important role in the function of the upper limb, and its complexity of movement makes it susceptible to acute injuries and chronic dysfunction with debilitating effects that must be treated appropriately and promptly to preserve function. Recently, ACJ has received increasing attention due to the development of new surgical techniques for the restoration of normal function and stability. There is some agreement about the treatment of ACJ dislocations, but controversy remains about the treatment of Rockwood grade III dislocations, and a new approach to these injuries is suggested by ISAKOS. Overall, the paper summarizes new concepts in the anatomy of the ACJ and reviews the utility of imaging methods in ACJ dislocations as well as their treatment and complications.

Arthroscopic Anatomical Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction using a Button Device and a Semitendinosus Graft

Objective

To report a new technique for anatomical acromioclavicular (AC) joint reconstruction.

Methods

In order to minimize such complications, the authors describe a new anatomical and biological AC joint repair. This technique aims to provide greater stability by using two anatomically placed clavicular tunnels and a combined construct with a double endobutton cortical fixation for primary stabilization, and to be biologically advantageous by using an autologous semitendinosus (ST) tendon graft. Additionally, the coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction is complemented with an AC joint cerclage and capsular reinforcement, which will protect the biological construction in its initial stage of healing.

Results

This technique provides adequate primary and secondary biomechanical stability by passing both a semitendinosus autogenous graft and a double endobutton device, through anatomically placed and small diameter clavicle holes, without the need for coracoid drilling. Our technique showed encouraging results regarding pain resolution, range of motion, and function. At final follow‐up we experienced excellent results with average pain score of 1.6, and average ROM of 159° of forward flexion, 160° of abduction, 68° of external rotation, and internal rotation level at T11. Postoperative function also showed great improvements with average ASES of 85 points, an average Constant Score of 87 and a Subjective Shoulder Value of 89 points. This technique also achieved perfectly acceptable radiographic results, with an average coracoclavicular distance increase of 0.8 mm. Regarding complications, our sample showed one case of AC join subluxation, two cases of internal saphenous nerve injury, and two partial graft tears at the suture‐button interface, with none of these requiring surgical revision.

Conclusion

This technique is advantageous in treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation and can be performed in both the subacute and chronic setting.

Editorial Commentary: Acute Repair of the Acromioclavicular Joint Capsule and Ligaments and Deltotrapezial Fascia Could Allow Biological Healing of High-Grade Acromioclavicular Separation-Coracoclavicular Ligament Graft Augmentation Could Be Indicated if Time to Surgery Is Greater Than 3 Weeks

Surgical management of chronic acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocations is a matter of controversy. In the acute setting of high-grade acromioclavicular separation, if a surgical repair of the ACJ capsule and ligaments and deltotrapezial fascia could allow biological healing of the ligaments themselves, this could be enough to restore the functional biomechanics of the joint; unfortunately, this is not true for chronic cases. In the latter situation, a surgical technique using biological augmentation such as autograft or allograft should be preferred. Time is very important for this injury, and a chronic lesion should be considered when treatment is being performed 3 weeks after trauma. The graft should be passed around the base of the coracoid or through a tunnel at the base of the coracoid itself and then at the level of the clavicle as anatomically possible to reproduce the function of the native ligaments. However, some studies have shown that passing the graft at the base of the coracoid and wrapping it around the clavicle could also achieve satisfactory outcomes. An arthroscopic technique, when used in combination, could be great to treat the associated lesions, which have a reported percentage between 30% and 49%. Finally, to restore the biomechanics of the ACJ, however, reconstruction of the acromioclavicular superior and posterior capsules together with the deltotrapezial fascia seems to be very important.

Open Anatomic Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction by Modified Conjoint Tendon Transfer for Treatment of Acute High-Grade Acromioclavicular Dislocation

There is no ideal surgical technique for the treatment of acromioclavicular (AC) dislocations. Reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments (CCLs) for the treatment of AC dislocations is evolving. Many techniques for CCL reconstruction have been described. They differ mainly in the method of fixation, number of tunnels, and graft used. The surgeon should select among hamstring autograft reconstruction, coracoacromial ligament transfer, and conjoint tendon transfer for CCL reconstruction. Early on, conjoint tendon transfer to the lateral clavicle was described for the treatment of high-grade AC dislocation. Dynamic instability occurred with poor long-term outcomes. The procedure was abandoned. Recently, proximally based conjoint tendon transfer for CCL reconstruction was described, but the technique is nonanatomic and leads to anterior displacement of the clavicle and malreduction. This article describes modified conjoint tendon transfer. The technique may yield stable, anatomic, biological reconstruction of the CCL for the treatment of acute high-grade AC dislocation. It consists of the following steps: (1) creation of clavicular holes, (2) coracoid osteotomy, (3) conjoint tendon mobilization, (4) conjoint tendon transfer and fixation to the CCL footprint on the undersurface of the clavicle, and (5) AC reduction and conjoint tendon tenodesis to the bed of the retained coracoid process.

Arthroscopic Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction Using Graft Augmentation and Titanium Implants

Several techniques have been introduced to treat acromioclavicular separation with coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction using graft augmentation. A modified arthroscopic technique for coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction was used based on a previous technique where the supportive device and tendon graft share the clavicular and coracoid drill holes. A notable problem with the previous technique was large protruding suture knots on the washer and clavicle, which could predispose to wound infection. In this modified technique, titanium implants were introduced. The implants hid the suture knot on the clavicle, and less foreign material was needed between the clavicular and coracoid implants.

Management of chronic unstable acromioclavicular joint injuries

Abstract

The acromioclavicular joint represents the link between the clavicle and the scapula, which is responsible for the synchronized dynamic of the shoulder girdle. Chronic acromioclavicular joint instability involves changes in the orientation of the scapula, which provokes cinematic alterations that might result in chronic pain. Several surgical strategies for the management of patients with chronic and symptomatic acromioclavicular joint instability have been described. The range of possibilities includes anatomical and non-anatomical techniques, open and arthroscopy-assisted procedures, and biological and synthetic grafts. Surgical management of chronic acromioclavicular joint instability should involve the reconstruction of the torn ligaments because it is accepted that from three weeks after the injury, these structures may lack healing potential. Here, we provide a review of the literature regarding the management of chronic acromioclavicular joint instability.

Level of evidence

Expert opinion, Level V.

Prevalence of remaining horizontal instability in high-grade acromioclavicular joint injuries surgically managed

PURPOSE

To determine the prevalence of remaining horizontal instability in high-grade acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injuries surgically managed by means of four different surgical strategies and to assess its relation to the clinical outcomes and the quality of life.

METHODS

In this multicentric non-randomized retrospective study, 53 patients with high-grade ACJ injuries surgically managed (by means of open or arthroscopic surgery) were clinically and radiographically assessed at 24 months or more after shoulder surgery. The presence of post-surgical remaining horizontal instability was evaluated by means of Alexander or axillary X-ray views. The study population was divided into two groups: patients with evidence of post-surgical remaining horizontal instability and patients without evidence of post-surgical remaining horizontal instability at the last follow-up visit. The relationship between remaining horizontal instability and the quality-of-life questionnaires was analyzed.

RESULTS

18.87% (10/53) of the Alexander or axillary X-rays views showed post-surgical remaining horizontal instability at the last follow-up visit (INSTAB-group). Results of the questionnaires were: (1) physical SF36 score (INSTAB-group 57.02 ± 3.17  and NO-INSTAB-group 57.66 ± 3.30, p = 0.583); (2) mental SF36 score (INSTAB-group 53.95 ± 3.98  and NO-INSTAB-group 55.71 ± 3.30, p = 0.150); (3) NRS for pain (INSTAB-group 1.30 ± 1.49 and NO-INSTAB-group 0.83  ± 1.08, p = 0.260); (4) DASH questionnaire (INSTAB-group 5.27 ± 5.42 and NO-INSTAB-group 3.06 ± 2.30, p = 0.049); (5) Constant score (INSTAB-group 93.4 ± 3.5 and NO-INSTAB-group 94.83  ± 4.3, p = 0.333); and Global satisfaction (INSTAB-group 8.7  ± 0.95 and NO-INSTAB-group 8.64 ± 1.03, p = 0.874).

CONCLUSION

Independently of the type of procedure, post-surgical remaining horizontal instability was present in almost one-fifth of the patients, and this group of patients showed a significantly worse DASH score. The addition of an acromioclavicular augmentation might have to be considered, taking into account that its absence may have a negative impact in terms of shoulder disabilities.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, prognostic case series.

Unstable acromioclavicular joint injuries: Is there really a difference between surgical management in the acute or chronic setting?

AIM

To compare the outcomes of unstable ACJ injuries managed with an arthroscopy-assisted anatomic reconstruction of the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments in the acute and chronic setting.

METHODS

A retrospective revision was performed. The SF36, visual analog scale for pain, DASH questionnaire, constant score and the global satisfaction were assessed at the last follow-up visit.

RESULTS

22 patients were included. Results of the questionnaires assessed at the last follow-up visit showed no significant differences between the study groups.

CONCLUSION

Management of ACJ injuries in the acute or chronic setting may involve comparable outcomes if biological and mechanical aspects are considered.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Management of acute unstable acromioclavicular joint injuries

Surgical management of acute unstable acromioclavicular joint injuries should be focused on realigning the torn ends of the ligaments to allow for healing potential. The most widely utilized treatment methods incorporate the use of metal hardware, which can alter the biomechanics of the acromioclavicular joint. This leads to a second surgical procedure for hardware removal once the ligaments have healed. Patients with unstable acromioclavicular joint injuries managed with arthroscopy-assisted procedures have shown good and excellent clinical outcomes, without the need for a second operation. These procedures incorporate a coracoclavicular suspension device aimed to function as an internal brace, narrowing the coracoclavicular space thus allowing for healing of the torn coracoclavicular ligaments. The lesser morbidity of a minimally invasive approach and the possibility to diagnose and treat concomitant intraarticular injuries; no obligatory implant removal, and the possibility of having a straight visualization of the inferior aspect of the base of the coracoid (convenient when placing coracoclavicular fixation systems) are the main advantages of the arthroscopic approach over classic open procedures. This article consists on a narrative review of the literature in regard to the management of acute acromioclavicular joint instability.

Acute high-grade acromioclavicular joint injuries treatment: Arthroscopic non-rigid coracoclavicular fixation provides better quality of life outcomes than hook plate ORIF

INTRODUCTION

Treatment of acute high-grade acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injuries with metal hardware alters the biomechanics of the ACJ, implying a second surgery for hardware removal. The period during which the plate is present involves functional limitations, pain and a risk factor for the development of hardware-related-injuries. Arthroscopy-assisted procedures compared to open-metal hardware techniques offer: less morbidity, the possibility to treat associated lesions and no need for a second operation. The aim was to compare the Quality of life (QoL) of patients with acute high-grade ACJ injuries (Rockwood grade III-V), managed arthroscopically with a non-rigid coracoclavicular (CC) fixation versus the QoL of patients managed with a hook plate, 24 months or more after their shoulder injury.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective revision of high-grade ACJ injuries managed in three institutions was performed. Patients treated by means of an arthroscopy-assisted CC fixation or by means of a hook plate were included. The inclusion period was between 2008 and 2012. The QoL was evaluated at the last follow-up visit by means of the SF36, the visual analog scale (VAS), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, the Constant score and the global satisfaction (scale from 0 to 10). The presence of scapular dyskinesis and remaining vertical instability were evaluated. Comparison between groups was performed.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients were included: 20 arthroscopy-group (ARTH group: 3 Rockwood III, 3 IV and 14 V) and 11 hook plate-group (HOOK group: 5 Rockwood III and 6 V). The mean age was 36 [25-52] year-old for the ARTH group and 41 [19-55] for the HOOK group (P=0.185). The mean results of the questionnaires were: (1) physical SF36 score (ARTH group 58.24±2.16 and HOOK group 53.70±4.33, P<0.001); (2) mental SF36 score (ARTH group 56.15±2.21 and HOOK group 53.06±6.10, P=0.049); (3) VAS (ARTH group 0.40±0.50 and HOOK group 1.45±1.51, P=0.007); (4) DASH (ARTH group 2.98±2.03 and HOOK group 4.79±5.60, P=0.200); (5) Constant score (ARTH group 95.30±2.45 and HOOK group 91.36±6.84, P=0.026); (6) global satisfaction (ARTH group 8.85±0.93 and HOOK group 8.00±1.18, P=0.035). There was evidence of scapular dyskinesis in 15% (3/20) of the patients of the ARTH group and in 18% (2/11) of the patients of the HOOK group (P=1.000). Remaining vertical ACJ instability was observed in 40% (8/20) of the patients of the ARTH group and in 36.36% (4/11) of the patients of the HOOK group (P=1.000).

CONCLUSION

Patients with acute high-grade ACJ injuries managed arthroscopically with a non-rigid CC fixation seem to have a better QoL than patients managed with a hook plate.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV therapeutic; retrospective comparative study.

Horizontal and Vertical Stabilization of Acute Unstable Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries Arthroscopy-Assisted

We describe the technical aspects of an arthroscopy-assisted procedure indicated for the management of acute unstable acromioclavicular joint injuries, consisting of a synthetic augmentation of both the coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular ligaments, that anatomically reproduces the coracoclavicular biomechanics and offers fixation that keeps the torn ends of the ligaments facing one another, thus allowing healing of the native structures without the need for a second surgical procedure for metal hardware removal.

Our Journals Arthroscopy and Arthroscopy Techniques Are Complementary

Your Editors are devoted to both of our journals, Arthroscopy and Arthroscopy Techniques. This month's content includes clinically relevant hip, knee, and shoulder research, and surgical techniques.

Acromioclavicular joint reconstruction: complications and innovations

Minimally invasive anatomic reconstruction of the acromioclavicular joint is a technically challenging procedure. The repair must be sufficiently strong and reconstitute the joint as closely as possible. This includes restoration of both superior-inferior stability, and the often overlooked anterior-posterior stability, of the acromioclavicular joint. There is no gold standard treatment for acromioclavicular joint separation.