Current concepts in acromioclavicular joint (AC) instability - a proposed treatment algorithm for acute and chronic AC-joint surgery

The ISAKOS subclassification of Rockwood type III AC joint dislocations in a stable type A and an unstable type B is not clinically relevant

PURPOSE

The treatment of Rockwood type III AC joint dislocations has been debated for decades. In 2014, the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) Upper Extremity Committee suggested a subclassification of the injury into type A, considered stable and best treated nonsurgically, and type B, considered unstable and best treated surgically. Type B is defined by the presence of scapular dyskinesis and overriding of the clavicle to the acromion on a modified lateral radiograph. The objective of the study was to investigate if this subclassification is clinically relevant.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study. Inclusion criteria were patients aged 18-60 years with acute AC joint dislocation and a baseline Zanca radiograph with an increase in the CC distance of >25% compared to the uninjured side. All patients were treated nonsurgically with 3 months of home-based training and with the option of delayed surgical intervention. Patients were assessed at baseline and at follow-ups 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after the injury. At the 6-week follow-up, patients were graded as stable and unstable according to the ISAKOS criteria. Outcomes were the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) and referral for surgery.

RESULTS

At 6 weeks of follow-up, 20 patients were classified as stable type A and 69 were classified as unstable type B. The ISAKOS subclassification was not clinically relevant, but patients graded as stable had statistically significantly better WOSI scores at 6 months compared to the unstable group (p = 0.03) but not at 3 months or 1 year. Nine patients (9.5%), all from the unstable group, were referred for surgery. No patients from the stable group underwent surgery (n.s).

CONCLUSION

The ISAKOS subclassification of Rockwood type III in a stable type A and an unstable type B is not clinically applicable.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

The Effect of Clavicular Tunnel Position on Reduction Loss in Patients with Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocations Operated with a Single-Bundle Suspensory Loop Device

OBJECTIVE

The treatment of acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocations offers numerous options, and ongoing debates persist regarding their comparative effectiveness. Among these options, the suspensory loop device (SLD) is one of the most favored treatment modalities. Despite the observed high reduction loss rate associated with SLD, the treatment yields favorable clinical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of patients with acute type 3 and 5 ACJ dislocations who underwent open and arthroscopic procedures using a single-bundle SLD, and to evaluate the effect of clavicular tunnel position on reduction loss.

METHODS

Thirty-seven eligible patients diagnosed with acute type 3 and type 5 ACJ dislocation who underwent open and arthroscopic surgery with a single-bundle SLD between January 2015 and March 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic data and radiological measurements including coracoclavicular (CC) interval, clavicle length (CL), and implant distance (ID) were recorded. The ID/CL ratio was calculated and a value between 0.17 and 0.24 was considered as "acceptable implant position". Reduction loss and other complications were noted. Patients were divided into two groups: open (Group 1) and arthroscopic (Group 2). Constant Murray Score (CMS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used for clinical and functional outcomes. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical analysis of variables.

RESULTS

The study included six females (16.2%) and 31 males (83.8%) with a mean age of 40.2 ± 14.7 years (range: 20-75). The mean follow-up period was 22.3 ± 16.7 months (range: 6-72). The average time from trauma to surgery was 6.3 ± 5.3 days (range: 1-18). At the last follow-up, the CMS was 89.3 ± 8.8 and the VAS score was 2.1 ± 0.9. The mean ID/CL ratio was 0.19 ± 0.1 and 19 patients (51.4%) were between 0.17 and 0.24. Reduction loss was observed in nine patients (24.3%). There were no significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2 regarding operation time (p = 0.998), ID/CL ratio (p = 0.442), reduction loss (p = 0.458), CMS (p = 0.325), and VAS score (p = 0.699). Of the 28 patients without reduction loss, 16 had an ID/CL ratio between 0.17 and 0.24 (p = 0.43). Furthermore, within the 0.17-0.24 interval, CMS was higher with an average of 91.8 ± 5.1 compared to the other intervals (p = 0.559).

CONCLUSION

The clinical and functional outcomes of acute type 3 and type 5 ACJ dislocation operated open and arthroscopically with single-bundle SLD are similar and satisfactory. A clavicular tunnel position in the range of 0.17-0.24 (ID/CL ratio) is recommended to maintain postoperative reduction.

Patient-reported, clinical and radiological factors associated with the result after non-surgical management of acute AC joint dislocation Rockwood type III and V

PURPOSE

The treatment of Rockwood type III and V acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations is controversial, and an individualized treatment algorithm is yet to be developed. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of demographical, clinical, patient-reported and radiological variables with the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) score and risk of surgery.

METHODS

Inclusion criteria for this prospective cohort study were patients aged 18-60 with an acute AC joint dislocation with >25% increase in the coracoclavicular distance on bilateral Zanca radiographs. Patients were treated non-surgically with 3 months of home-based training and the option of delayed surgical intervention. The outcomes were the WOSI score and surgery yes/no. Demographical, clinical, patient-reported (WOSI and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index [SPADI]) and radiological variables were collected at baseline and 6 weeks after the injury and investigated for association with the outcomes at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year.

RESULTS

Ninety-five patients with Rockwood type III/V AC joint dislocation were included. Pre-injury participation in overhead/collision sports was a risk factor for surgery with an odds ratio of 5 (p = 0.03). Reduced range of motion (ROM) at baseline was associated with reduced WOSI scores and increased risk of surgery. At 6 weeks, reduced ROM, increased SPADI and increased pain during cross-over were associated with the outcomes. Radiological measurements were not correlated with the result. At the 6 weeks follow-up, patients eventually requiring surgery could be detected with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 94% based on a SPADI score of >30 and a ROM ≤ 140° in shoulder flexion or abduction.

CONCLUSION

ROM was the only variable consistently associated with both WOSI and risk of surgery. Six weeks after the injury, it was possible to detect patients in need of surgery based on ROM and SPADI with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 94%.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Current trends in surgical treatment of the acromioclavicular joint injuries in 2023: a review of the literature

Background

This article examines the wide range of surgical reconstruction options available for acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries. However, the lack of consensus regarding the most suitable surgical techniques is attributed to the high and variable failure rates observed with current approaches.

Methods

This article presents a comprehensive overview of the current surgical principles and techniques used by renowned experts in the field of AC shoulder injury management.

Results

It emphasizes the significance of addressing horizontal and rotational instability in AC injuries and highlights the impact of impaired scapular biomechanics.

Conclusion

By exploring these emerging concepts and strategies, the article aims to lay the foundation for future studies aimed at improving treatment outcomes and patient management.

What are our patients asking Google about acromioclavicular joint injuries?-frequently asked online questions and the quality of online resources

Background

Management of acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries has been an ongoing source of debate, with over 150 variations of surgery described in the literature. Without a consensus on surgical technique, patients are seeking answers to common questions through internet resources. This study investigates the most common online patient questions pertaining to AC joint injuries and the quality of the websites providing information.

Hypothesis

1) Question topics will pertain to surgical indications, pain management, and success of surgery and 2) the quality and transparency of online information are largely heterogenous.

Methods

Three AC joint search queries were entered into the Google Web Search. Questions under the "People also ask" tab were expanded in order and 100 results for each query were included (300 total). Questions were categorized based on Rothwell's classification. Websites were categorized by source. Website quality was evaluated by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Benchmark Criteria.

Results

Most questions fell into the Rothwell Fact category (48.0%). The most common question topics were surgical indications (28.0%), timeline of recovery (13.0%), and diagnosis/evaluation (12.0%). The least common question topics were anatomy/function (3.3%), evaluation of surgery (3.3%), injury comparison (1.0%), and cost (1.0%). The most common websites were medical practice (44.0%), academic (22.3%), and single surgeon personal (12.3%). The average JAMA score for all websites was 1.0 ± 1.3. Government websites had the highest JAMA score (4.0 ± 0.0) and constituted 45.8% of all websites with a score of 4/4. PubMed articles constituted 63.6% (7/11) of government website. Comparatively, medical practice websites had the lowest JAMA score (0.3 ± 0.7, range [0-3]).

Conclusion

Online patient AC joint injury questions pertain to surgical indications, timeline of recovery, and diagnosis/evaluation. Government websites and PubMed articles provide the highest-quality sources of reliable, up-to-date information but constitute the smallest proportion of resources. In contrast, medical practice represents the most visited websites, however, recorded the lowest quality score. Physicians should utilize this information to answer frequently asked questions, guide patient expectations, and help provide and identify reliable online resources.

External Rotation of the Shoulder against Resistance as a Clinical Sign to Aid in the Diagnosis of Acromioclavicular Injury

Introduction

Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injuries account for more than 40% of all sports-related shoulder injuries. Early and effective diagnosis is crucial with surgical intervention favored over non-operative management in high-grade injury. At present diagnosis is primarily by plain radiography with a clear lack of good clinical examination techniques. This study aims to describe external rotation against resistance (ERAR) as a means of ACJ injury assessment.

Case Report

This case report describes three patients who presented to a local tertiary hospital with sporting injuries. In all cases, plain radiography demonstrated ACJ injury. Patients performed ERAR with the elbow by the side and flexed to 90° to assess for increase in ACJ deformity and coracoclavicular (CC) distance. The cases reported include two acute and one chronic ACJ injury. In all cases, this physical examination technique resulted in increased ACJ deformity and CC distance. This examination technique was well tolerated in all patients. All three patients underwent operative fixation and achieved excellent clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

In our experience, external rotation of the shoulder against resistance is a well-tolerated examination technique which has demonstrated good clinical utility, aiding in the diagnosis of moderate to high-grade ACJ injury. While this clinical examination technique may aid in the diagnosis of high-grade ACJ injury, the authors strongly recommend further clinical and radiological confirmation before the diagnosis of acute traumatic shoulder injuries.

High Vertical and Horizontal Stability at Short-Term Follow-Up After an All-Endoscopic Double Cerclage Endobutton Technique for Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Separations

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes in the treatment of acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations using an all-endoscopic double cerclage endobutton technique compared with an arthroscopic-assisted single-bundle endobutton technique and to analyze the complication, failure, and revision rates of both procedures.

METHODS

All patients with acute Rockwood type IIIB and V AC joint separations who were operated on using an all-endoscopic double cerclage technique (2019-2022) or an arthroscopic-assisted single-bundle technique (2017-2019) were included. The follow-up period was at least 12 months. Clinical and radiographic assessment was performed at follow-up. Complications, failures, and revisions were also investigated.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients (14 double cerclage group, 14 single-bundle group, all male) with an average age of 37 years (interquartile range [IQR], 15) were available for follow-up after 45 months (IQR, 38). The median time between trauma and surgery was 7 days (IQR, 8). Very good clinical results without significant differences were observed in both groups (Constant score, 94 [IQR, 12] vs 95 [IQR, 15], P = .427, AC joint instability score, 95 [IQR, 11] vs 87 [IQR, 22], P = .210). All patients returned to sport, with an average sports level of 95% compared with preoperative status. The single-bundle group showed significantly increased anteroposterior instability (6 vs 0, P = .006). A total of 5 complications occurred (2 vs 3), leading to 1 revision surgery in each group.

CONCLUSIONS

Excellent clinical results and high vertical and horizontal stability can be achieved with the all-endoscopic double cerclage technique. Horizontal instability occurred significantly more frequently with the single-bundle technique. The prolonged operation time in the double cerclage group had no negative impact on postoperative outcomes, including complication and failure rates, and a learning curve to reduce this prolonged operative time should be considered.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative clinical series.

Current Concepts in Management of Acromioclavicular Joint Injury

Background: The management of acromioclavicular joint injuries requires a thorough understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the joint, as well as knowledge of the pertinent physical exam findings and classification to determine an appropriate treatment approach, whether operative or nonoperative. In this article, we present a narrative review of the current state of understanding surrounding these issues. Although there are a large number of options for operative intervention, we additionally present our experience with anatomic coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction (ACCR) with imbrication of the deltoid fascia. Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data on a total of 45 patients who had undergone ACCR between 2003 and 2016 were collected. Results: We found that improvements were seen in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score (ASES) (53 ± 19 to 81 ± 23), Simple Shoulder Test (SST) (6 ± 3 to 12 ± 13), Constant-Murley (CM) (60 ± 18 to 92 ± 8), and Rowe (67 ± 14 to 89 ± 11) and the mean post-operative SANE score was 86 ± 17. Conclusions: ACCR has the advantage of addressing both horizontal and vertical stability with good outcomes.

Acromioclavicular joint dislocation Rockwood type III and V show no difference in functional outcome and 91% recovered well without the need for surgery

PURPOSE

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations are common injuries, but the indication for and timing of surgery is debated. The objective of the study was to evaluate the results after acute AC joint dislocations Rockwood type III and V treated nonsurgically with the option of delayed surgical intervention.

METHODS

This is a prospective cohort study with clinical, radiological and patient-reported outcome assessment at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after acute AC joint dislocation. Patients aged 18-60 with acute AC joint dislocation and a baseline panorama (Zanca) radiograph with an increase in the coracoclavicular distance of >25% compared to the uninjured side were eligible for inclusion. All patients were treated nonsurgically with 3 months of home-based training and with the option of delayed surgical intervention. The primary outcome was the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI). Secondary outcomes were surgery yes/no and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI).

RESULTS

Ninety-five patients were included. Fifty-seven patients were Rockwood type III and 38 patients were type V. There were no statistically significant differences in WOSI and SPADI between patients with type III and V injuries at any time point. Nine patients (9.5%) were referred for surgery; seven type III and two type V (ns).

CONCLUSION

Ninety-one percent of patients with acute AC joint dislocation Rockwood type III and V recovered without surgery and there were no differences in outcome scores between type III and V at any time point.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

3D C-arm navigated acromioclavicular joint stabilization

INTRODUCTION

Surgical treatment options for acromioclavicular joint separations are varied. Frequently, suspension devices (SD) are inserted for stabilization under arthroscopic view. This study investigates the feasibility and accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) digital-volume-tomography (DVT) C-arm navigated implantation with regard to the general trend toward increasingly minimally invasive procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The implantation of a TightRope® suture button system (SD) via a navigated vertical drill channel through the clavicle and coracoid was investigated in 10 synthetic shoulder models with a mobile isocentric C-arm image intensifier setup in the usual parasagittal position. Thereby, in addition the placement of an additive horizontal suture cerclage via a navigated drill channel through the acromion was assessed.

RESULTS

All vertical drill channels in the Coracoclavicular (CC) direction could be placed in a line centrally through the clavicle and the coracoid base. The horizontal drill channels in the Acromioclavicular (AC) direction ran strictly in the acromion, without affecting the AC joint or lateral clavicle. All SD could be well inserted and anchored. After tensioning and knotting of the system, the application of the horizontal AC cerclage was easily possible. The image quality was good and all relevant structures could be assessed well.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative 3D DVT imaging of the shoulder joint using a mobile isocentric C-arm in the usual parasagittal position to the patient is possible. Likewise, DVT navigated SD implantation at the AC joint in CC and AC direction on a synthetic shoulder model. By combining both methods, the application in vivo could be possible. Further clinical studies on feasibility and comparison with established methods should be performed.

Mid-term clinical and sonographic outcomes of minimally invasive acromioclavicular joint reconstruction: mini-open versus arthroscopically assisted

INTRODUCTION

The current literature describes various operative stabilization strategies which achieve good clinical outcomes after acute acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation. The aim of this study was to compare the mid-term clinical and sonographic treatment outcomes after minimally invasive mini-open and arthroscopic reconstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective two-center study of patients with acute ACJ dislocation. Surgical treatment was performed using either a mini-open approach (MIOP) or an arthroscopic technique (AR). The primary outcome parameters of this study were the sonographically measured acromioclavicular (ACD) and coracoclavicular distances (CCD). Secondary outcome parameters included the Constant-Murley score (CS), range of motion (ROM), postoperative pain scale (VAS), return to daily routine, return to sports, complications, as well as operative revisions.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up of 29 months, 30 patients were included in this study with an average age of 41.3 ± 14.8 years (MIOP) and 41.2 ± 15.4 years (AR). The sonographic ACD (MIOP 9.11 mm vs. AR 8.93 mm, p = 0.41) and CCD (MIOP 25.08 mm vs. AR 24.36 mm, p = 0.29) distances showed no statistically significant differences. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference when compared to the contralateral side (p = 0.42). With both techniques, patients achieved excellent clinical outcome parameters without statistically significant differences in CS (MIOP 95 vs. AR 97, p = 0.11) and VAS (MIOP 1.76 vs. AR 1.14, p = 0.18). The return to daily activity and return to sport rates did not differ. There were neither complications nor revisions in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Both minimally invasive techniques for acute ACJ stabilization achieved excellent clinical and sonographic outcomes without one technique being statistically superior to the other.

Long-Term Functional Outcomes and Athletic Ability in Shoulder Sports After Anatomic Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction for Chronic Type 3 and 5 Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries

Background

Promising short- and midterm outcomes have been seen after anatomic coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction (ACCR) for chronic acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injuries.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To evaluate long-term outcomes and shoulder-related athletic ability in patients after ACCR for chronic type 3 and 5 ACJ injuries. It was hypothesized that these patients would maintain significant functional improvement and sufficient shoulder-sport ability at a long-term follow-up.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Included were 19 patients (mean age, 45.9 ± 11.2 years) who underwent ACCR for type 3 or 5 ACJ injuries between January 2003 and August 2014. Functional outcome measures included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Rowe, Constant-Murley, Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores as well as the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, which were collected preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Postoperative shoulder-dependent athletic ability was assessed using the Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System (ASOSS). Shoulder activity level was evaluated using the Shoulder Activity Scale (SAS), while the Subjective Patient Outcome for Return to Sports (SPORTS) score was collected to assess the patients' ability to return to their preinjury sporting activity.

Results

The mean follow-up time was 10.1 ± 3.8 years (range, 6.1-18.8 years). Patients achieved significant pre- to postoperative improvements on the ASES (from 54.2 ± 22.6 to 83.5 ± 23.1), Rowe (from 66.6 ± 18.1 to 85.3 ± 19), Constant-Murley (from 64.6 ± 20.9 to 80.2 ± 22.7), SST (from 7.2 ± 3.4 to 10.5 ± 2.7), SANE (from 30.1 ± 23.2 to 83.6 ± 26.3), and VAS pain scores (from 4.7 ± 2.7 to 1.8 ± 2.8) (P < .001 for all), with no significant differences between type 3 and 5 injuries. At the final follow-up, patients achieved an ASOSS of 80.6 ± 32, SAS level of 11.6 ± 5.1, and SPORTS score of 7.3 ± 4.1, with no significant differences between type 3 and 5 injuries. Four patients (21.1%) had postoperative complications.

Conclusion

Patients undergoing ACCR using free tendon allografts for chronic type 3 and 5 ACJ injuries maintained significant improvements in functional outcomes at the long-term follow-up and achieved favorable postoperative shoulder-sport ability, activity, and return to preinjury sports participation.

Arthroscopic Anatomic Knotless Coracoclavicular Ligament Repair Without Coracoid Drilling

Acromioclavicular joint injuries are common in young active patients. A wide variety of surgical techniques exist to address specific complications associated with surgery. Complications after surgery include loss of reduction, fracture of the clavicle or coracoid, failure of fixation, and prominent and symptomatic hardware. This technique aims to reduce these complications with an arthroscopic anatomic coracoclavicular ligament repair using knotless adjustable loop buttons with fifth-generation suture tape and no drilling of the coracoid.

Clavicular Tunnel Widening After Acromioclavicular Stabilization Shows Implant-Dependent Correlation With Postoperative Loss of Reduction

PURPOSE

To radiographically describe, quantify, and compare clavicular tunnel widening (cTW) of 2 different types of stabilization devices and investigate a possible correlation between cTW and loss of reduction.

METHODS

In a retrospective analysis of single-center registry data, we compared patients who were treated for an acute AC dislocation (Rockwood types III to V) with either the AC Dog Bone (DB) or low-profile AC (LP) repair systems. On 6-week and 6-month postoperative radiographs, we measured clavicle height and tunnel diameter. We calculated the button/clavicle filling (B/C) ratio to quantify how much of the clavicular tunnel height is covered by the low-profile inlet. The association between B/C ratio and the extent of cTW was defined, and we also compared cTW between treatment groups. Reduction of the AC joint was graded as either stable, partially dislocated or dislocated depending on the AC ratio. A 2-sample t-test was used for comparing cTW progression between the 2 groups. For continuous variables between more than 2 groups, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used.

RESULTS

Of 65 eligible patients, there were 37 and 28 included in the DB and LP groups, respectively. Overall, cTW was conically shaped with transclavicular widening noted in the DB group and cTW developing strictly inferior to the button in the LP group. For both implants, mean maximal cTW was 7.1 mm and located at the inferior cortex; the B/C ratio was not associated with increased inferior cTW (r = -0.23, P = .248). Only LP patients with complete loss of reduction had significantly increased cTW (P = .049).

CONCLUSIONS

Conical-shaped cTW is a common implant-independent phenomenon after AC stabilization using suture-button devices. It occurs only at the suture-bone interface and is less excessive for the LP implant. There is an association between increased cTW and loss of reduction specific to the LP implant only.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Management of Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries: A Historic Account

There has been a rapid evolution in best practice management of acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries. AP, Zanca, scapular Y, and dynamic axillary radiographic views provide optimal visualization of the joint and may assess for the presence of horizontal AC instability. Severity of AC joint pathology is classified according to the 6-tier Rockwood scoring system. Over 160 surgical techniques have been described for AC joint repair and reconstruction in the last decade; as a result, determining the optimal treatment algorithm has become increasingly challenging secondary to the lack of consistently excellent clinical outcomes.

Assessment of Coracoclavicular Ligament Healing on MRI After Arthroscopic TightRope Fixation for Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation

Background

Arthroscopic-assisted fixation of acute high-grade acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation has gained popularity in the last decade. Coracoclavicular (CC) fixation using the TightRope device is a less invasive technique.

Purpose

To investigate CC ligament healing and functional outcomes after arthroscopic fixation using the TightRope device for acute AC joint disruption.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

The study retrospectively analyzed the data of patients admitted for arthroscopic surgical treatment of acute AC joint injury using a single TightRope device. The data collection commenced in October 2021. The Constant-Murley (CM) score and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score were used for functional evaluation. The CC distance (CCD) was measured on plain radiographs, whereas healing of the CC ligament was evaluated on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Statistical analyses were conducted with the Mann-Whitney U test, independent t test, or paired t test, as appropriate.

Results

The analysis included 33 patients with a mean age of 37.7 years (range, 24-49 years) and a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Significant preoperative to postoperative increases were noted in both the CM and UCLA scores (from 34.1 ± 7.6 to 93.3 ± 3.6 and from 8.7 ± 2.1 to 32.9 ± 1.7, respectively; P < .0001 for both). The CCD decreased from 21.8 ± 3.02 mm preoperatively to 10.6 ± 1.2 mm postoperatively (P < .0001). All patients displayed CC ligament healing on MRI. Two patients with superficial infection and 1 case of partial reduction loss were confirmed at the end of this study.

Conclusion

The arthroscopic TightRope technique was found to be a reliable and less invasive method of fixation for acute AC joint disruptions. The CC ligament healed adequately based on MRI evaluation, and the patients regained their preinjury activities, with favorable functional outcomes and minor comorbidities.

Bibliometric and visualized analysis of arthroscopic treatment of acromioclavicular joint injury

BACKGROUND

Since arthroscopy was discovered to treat acromioclavicular joint injury, people have had great interest and attention to this beautiful and minimally invasive operation, and related research has been increasing worldwide. At present, there is no bibliometric and visualized analysis in this field. The purpose of this study is to explore the research hotspots and trends of arthroscopic treatment of acromioclavicular joint injury through bibliometric and visualized analysis and look forward to the future development direction of clinical practice.

METHODS

The publications on arthroscopic treatment of acromioclavicular joint injury diseases from its establishment to April 2023 were obtained from the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection database. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Scimago graphica and Origin were used for bibliometric and visualized analysis.

RESULTS

This study included a total of 330 publications. The number of publications tends to increase every year. The USA has the most significant number of publications and citations. Imhoff AB is the most relevant scholar with the largest number of publications in this field, and the scholar with the highest citation and average citations is Mazzocca AD. Tech Univ Munich, Rush University and Charite are the three institutions with the greatest contribution. Tech Univ Munich, Rush University and Charite are the three institutions with the greatest contribution. In addition, "Arthroscopy-the Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery" and "American Journal of Sports Medicine" are the institutions with the most significant number of publications and average citations, respectively. The most common keywords are "acromioclavicular joint dislocation," "arthroscopic resection," "arthroscopic reconstruction" and "coracoclavicular ligament."

CONCLUSION

The number of publications shows a steady upward trend as a whole. However, there is still a lack of cooperation among countries, institutions and scholars around the world, so various countries, institutions and scholars need to strengthen academic exchanges and expand the field of cooperation, so as to promote further research and development in related fields. However, minimally invasive methods such as arthroscopy are still the hotspots and frontiers in the treatment of acromioclavicular joint injury in the future.

Simultaneous acromioclavicular dislocation, proximal humeral fracture, and reverse Hill-Sachs lesion: a case report

BACKGROUND

In cases with injuries to the shoulder region, the combination of acromioclavicular joint dislocation, reverse Hill-Sachs lesion, and proximal humeral fracture is a very rare condition.

CASE PRESENTATION

This study described a 38-year-old male Persian patient with simultaneous acromioclavicular joint dislocation, proximal humeral fracture, and reverse Hill-Sachs lesion due to motor vehicle crash injury who underwent arthroscopic acromioclavicular joint fixation using tight rope technique. In the 7-month follow-up period following the surgical fixation, range of motion was approximately normal. Reduction and hardware were intact, no dislocation or apprehension to dislocation was observed. Patient only had minor shoulder pain at the end of range of motion and a dull pain on the site of incision over the clavicle in deep touch. Our findings showed acceptable arthroscopic outcomes in the management of such complex case.

CONCLUSION

Our experience on this case showed acceptable outcomes of the arthroscopic treatment of the acromioclavicular joint dislocation in the management of such a complex case with associated injuries to the shoulder region.

Transcoracoid Drilling for Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstructions in Patients With Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocations Result in Eccentric Tunnels

Purpose

To determine the location of coracoid inferior tunnel exit with superior-based tunnel drilling and coracoid superior tunnel exit with inferior-based tunnel drilling.

Methods

Fifty-two cadaveric embalmed shoulders (mean age 79 years, range 58-96 years) were used. A transcoracoid tunnel was drilled at the center of the base. Twenty-six shoulders were used for the superior-to-inferior tunnel drilling approach and 26 shoulders for the inferior-to-superior tunnel drilling approach. The distances to the margins of the coracoid process, from both the entry and exit points of the tunnel, were measured. Paired Student t-tests were used to compare the distance from the center of the tunnel and the medial and lateral coracoid border and the apex.

Results

The mean difference for the distances between superior entry and inferior exit from the apex was 3.65 ± 3.51 mm (P = .002); 1.57 ± 2.27 mm for the lateral border (P = .40) and 5.53 ± 3.45 mm for the medial border (P = .001). The mean difference for the distances between inferior entry and superior exit from the apex was 16.95 ± 3.11 mm (P = .0001); 6.51 ± 3.2 mm for the lateral border (P = .40) and 1.03 ± 2.32 mm for the medial border (P = .045). Inferior-to-superior drilling resulted in 4 (15%) cortical breaks.

Conclusions

Both superior-to-inferior and inferior-to-superior tunnel drilling directed the tunnel from a more anterior and medial entry to a posterior-lateral exit. Superior-to-inferior drilling resulted in a more posteriorly angled tunnel. When using a 5-mm reamer and inferior-to-superior tunnel drilling, cortical breaks were observed at the inferior and medial margin of the tunnel exit.

Clinical Relevance

Arthroscopic-assisted acromioclavicular joint reconstruction using conventional jigs may result in an eccentric coracoid tunnel, possibly introducing stress risers and fractures. To avoid cortical breaks and eccentric tunnel placement, open drilling from superior-to-inferior with a superiorly centered guide pin and arthroscopic visualization of a centered inferior exit should be considered.