Single coracoclavicular suture fixation with Mersilene tape versus hook plate in the treatment of acute type V acromioclavicular dislocation: a retrospective analysis

Comparison of Effectiveness and Safety in Treating Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation with Five Different Surgical Procedures: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

This network meta-analysis aims to evaluate the comparative effectiveness and safety of suture anchors (SA), tendon grafts (TG), hook plates (HP), Tight-Rope (TR), and EndoButton (EB) in the treatment of acute acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation. The Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched from their inception date to June 3, 2022. Studies included all eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies with the comparison of five different fixation systems among SA, TG, HP, TR, and EB were identified. All studies were reviewed, performed data extraction, and assessed the risk of bias independently by two reviewers. The primary outcomes are Constant-Murley score (CMS) improvement for assessing clinical efficacy, and complications. The second outcomes are visual analog scale (VAS) for assessing pain relief and the coracoclavicular distance (CCD) for assessing postoperative joint reduction. Version 2 of the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) and the risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I) were used to assess the RCTs and non-randomized trials, respectively. The continuous outcomes were presented as mean differences (MD), and risk ratios (OR) were used for dichotomous outcomes, both with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Surface under the cumulative ranking curves (SUCRA) results were calculated to offer a ranking of each intervention. We identified 31 eligible trials, including 1687 patients in total. HP showed less CMS improvement than TR and EB in both the Network Meta-analysis (NMA) and pairwise meta-analysis. HP also showed less CMS improvement than SA in NMA. For pain relief, HP performed worse than TR both in pairwise meta-analysis and NMA. No significant differences were found for the measured value of CCD. Both TR and EB showed a lower incidence of complications than HP in pairwise meta-analysis. The rank of SUCRA for CMS improvement was as follows: SA, TR, EB, TG, and HP; for pain relief: TR, EB, TG, SA, and HP; for CCD: HP, TR, SA, EB, and TG. For complications, HP showed the highest rank, followed by TG, EB, TR, and SA. SA shows better clinical effectiveness and reliable safety in the treatment of acute ACJ dislocation. Although HP is the most widely used surgical option currently, it should be carefully taken into consideration for its high incidence of complications.

Clinical and radiologic outcomes of the modified phemister procedure with coracoclavicular ligament augmentation using mersilene tape versus hook plate fixation for acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation

Background

The clinical superiority of surgical treatment for acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of the modified Phemister procedure with CC ligament augmentation using Mersilene tape to those of hook plate fixation for acute AC joint dislocation.

Methods

In this study, patients who received modified Phemister surgery with CC ligament augmentation using Mersilene tape (PM group) or hook plate fixation (HK group) for acute unstable AC joint dislocation with a minimum 5-year follow-up period were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical outcomes were evaluated according to blood loss during surgery, surgical duration, visual analogue scale (VAS), Constant-Murley score (CMS), University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale, and the occurrence of complications. Radiological outcomes were assessed from radiographs according to multiple parameters, including CC distance maintenance, acromion osteolysis, and the presence of distal clavicle osteolysis.

Results

A total of 35 patients completed follow-up for more than 5 years and were analyzed in this study (mean = 74.08 months). There were 18 patients in the PM group and 17 in the HK group. The PM group exhibited similar improvement in functional outcome to the HK group. Regarding radiological outcomes, the HK group had a superior performance in terms of CC distance maintenance, of statistical significance (CCDR: 94.29 ± 7.01% versus 111.00 ± 7.69%, p < 0.001) after a one-year follow-up period. However, there were 4 cases of acromion osteolysis and 2 cases of distal clavicle osteolysis in the HK group.

Conclusion

Hook plate fixation was found to be superior to the modified Phemister technique with CC ligament augmentation using Mersilene tape in terms of CC distance maintenance, but there was no significant difference in the functional outcome after 5 years of follow-up. Both surgical methods are reliable options for the treatment of acute AC joint dislocation. Modified Phemister surgery with CC ligament augmentation using Mersilene tape is a relatively lower-cost option for acute AC joint dislocation without the need of a second surgery for implant removal.

The correlation between acromial osteolysis and acromion types in the treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation with hook plate

This study aimed to radiologically evaluate the effect of hook plates used in the treatment of acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocations on the development of subacromial osteolysis (SAO) according to acromion types. A total of 43 patients with mean age of 38.5 (19-77) years who were diagnosed with AC dislocation and applied neutral clavicular hook plate between 2013 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Acromion types were determined by measuring acromion slope angle on lateral shoulder radiography and 3-dimensional (D)-CT of the patients. Presence of SAO was classified according to the severity of erosion in the subacromial region (grade I: minimal osteolysis, grade II: subacromial erosion <2 mm, grade III: subacromial erosion >2 mm, grade IV: cut-through of the acromion) on postoperative 3D - CT and correlation with acromion types was analyzed. Incidence of SAO was significantly higher among type 1 acromion compared to type 2 and type 3 acromion (P = .003). While osteolysis was observed in 21 patients, no osteolysis was observed in 22 patients. Osteolysis occurred in all patients with type 1 acromion, 7 patients with type 2 acromion, and 5 patients with type 3 acromion. Since the hook tip in the sagittal plane passes posterior to the center of the acromion and the concavity of the subacromial surface is inadequate in the type 1 acromion, we believe that the increased pressure applied by the hook tip on the subacromial cartilage increases the risk of SAO. We predict that the use of hook plates with an angle of 15-20 degrees, similar to the patient's AC angle, rather than neutral hook plate, will reduce the risk of osteolysis in patients with type 1 acromion.

Can a coracoclavicular screw added to the clavicular hook plate reduce subacromial stress? A finite element analysis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the stresses on the plate and the clavicle in the standard clavicular hook plate model and the clavicular hook plate models with a coracoclavicular (CC) screw by finite element analysis (FEA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The FEA models were created with the combination of acromion, clavicle, coracoid process, 8-hole clavicular hook plate and screw components. Model 1 was created as a standard clavicular hook plate model and plates were implanted to the clavicle and the acromion by six locking screws. Model 2 was created by a cortical screw placed in the coracoid process through the third hole of the plate (CC screw) and fixation of hook plate by five locking screws. The upward-pull force was applied to clavicle at the insertion of sternocleidomastoid muscle with three axes. The stress exerted by acromion on the hook of the plate, stresses on the plate, clavicle, and CC screw were analyzed.

RESULTS

When the screw holes were compared, in Model 1, the highest stress was found in the last hole of the plate. In Model 2, the highest stress was detected on the CC screw. The stress on the clavicle was found to be 0.14 Mpa in Model 1 and 0.21 Mpa in Model 2. In Model 1 and Model 2, the stress exerted by acromion on the subacromial part of the plate was found to be 2.05 KPa and 1.66x10-6 KPa, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study show that addition of CC screw to the standard clavicular hook plate shares the loading and reduces the stress on the hook of the plate.

Clavicular hook plate for acute high-grade acromioclavicular dislocation involving Rockwood type V: clinical and radiological outcomes and complications evaluation

Background

The surgical treatment of high-grade acromioclavicular joint dislocation remains a matter of debate. Clavicular hook plate internal fixation was widely used in the treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation because of its easy-to-master surgical technique. This study aimed to evaluate outcomes using hook plate fixation for acromioclavicular dislocation.

Methods

A consecutive series of 57 patients with acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation involving Rockwood type V were treated between November 2013 and September 2019 using hook plate fixation. The functional outcomes (using the visual analogue score, Constant-Murley score, and University of California Los Angeles score), the quality of surgical reduction (using the coracoclavicular distance), and post-operative complications were assessed with about 46 months of follow-up.

Results

The mean Constant-Murley score increased from 72.6 before surgery to 87.6 at final follow-up. The mean University of California Los Angeles score was 14.1 pre-operatively and 31.6 at final follow-up. Meanwhile, the visual analogue scores were significantly reduced from 3.4 pre-operatively to 1.3 post-operatively. The coracoclavicular distance decreased from 19.4 mm pre-operatively to 10.9 mm at the last follow-up. Post-operative functional and radiological outcomes were significantly improved compared with pre-operative outcomes (P < 0.01). The overall excellent and good result was 35.1% (20/57) and 54.1% (31/57), respectively. At follow-up, the overall complication rate was 15.8% (9/57) including subacromial impingement (three patients), acromial osteolysis (three patients), reduction loss (one patient), acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis (one patient), and calcification (one patient).

Conclusion

Hook plate fixation was a viable treatment approach, and achieved good clinical outcomes in the treatment of acute acromioclavicular dislocation involving V. But some complications of hook plate fixation should not be ignored.

Long-term stability of coracoclavicular suture fixation for acute acromioclavicular joint separation

PURPOSE

The optimal (SBJI) surgical treatment for acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint disruption remains controversial. What is being presented is the long-term functional outcomes of a double cross-looped coracoclavicular (CC) suture technique with the intention of restoring both anteroposterior and superior displacement of the clavicle.

METHODS

Between 2007 and 2016, 81 patients underwent surgical reconstruction for acute acromioclavicular joint (AC) disruption in two orthopaedic centers. Two patients died for reasons unrelated to the treatment, and seven missed the final follow-up appointment, leaving 72 patients (67 males; 5 females; age 37 ± 12.4; range 15-64 years) for clinical and radiological assessments. All cases were classified according to the Rockwood classification as type III (n = 34), IV (n = 14) or V (n = 24). The dislocation was repaired with double cross-looped CC fixation using four Ethibond sutures passing underneath the coracoid and through a 4.5 mm drill hole in the clavicle in opposing directions to control both anteroposterior and vertical displacement. Radiological investigation preoperatively and at the last follow-up included anteroposterior and/or Zanca views, axillary or Alexander views, and comparative stress radiography of both AC joints. Patients were evaluated clinically with the Constant-Murley score (CMS) and Acromio Clavicular Joint Instability Score (ACJIS). Loss of reduction, subluxation, CC ligament ossification, post-traumatic arthritis, and peri-implant fractures were also recorded.

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients were available for the last clinical and radiological evaluations. At a median follow-up period of 6.3 ± 2.1 years (range 3-12 years), the CMS and ACJIS were 92.1 ± 7.2 (range 60-100 points) and 90.4 ± 8.6 (range 45-100 points), respectively. Complications included 9 (12.5%) patients with slight loss of reduction, 2 (1.7%) with dislocation recurrence, 1 (1.3%) with superficial infection, 1 (1.3%) with a fracture of the lateral end of the clavicle, and 2 (1.7%) with persistent tenderness in the AC joint. The incidence of periarticular ossification was 22.4% and did not affect the final outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

This technique represents an effective and low-cost treatment for acute AC joint separations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Biologic and synthetic ligament reconstructions achieve better functional scores compared to osteosynthesis in the treatment of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation

PURPOSE

To systematically review the outcomes of surgical treatments of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

METHODS

Studies were identified by electronic databases (Ovid, PubMed). All studies reporting functional and radiological outcomes of surgical treatments of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations were included. Following data were extracted: authors and year, study design, level of evidence, number of patients, age, classification of acromioclavicular joint dislocation, time to surgery, surgical technique, follow-up, clinical and imaging outcomes, complications, and failures. Descriptive statistics was used, when a data pooling was not possible. Comparable outcomes were pooled to generate summary outcomes reported as frequency-weighted values. Quality appraisal was assessed through the MINORS checklist.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-three studies were included for a total of 4473 shoulders. Mean age of participants was 36.9 years. Mean follow-up was 42.06 months. Arthroscopy showed better ASES (p < 0.0001) and lower VAS pain score (p = 0.0249) compared to an open approach. Biologic and synthetic reconstructions demonstrated better results over osteosynthesis techniques. Biologic techniques showed overall better Constant (p = 0.0001) and DASH (p = 0.0215) scores, while synthetic reconstruction showed better UCLA score (p = 0.0001). Among suture buttons, triple button showed overall better results in Constant (p = 0.0001) and VAS (p = 0.0001) scores, while better results in DASH score (p = 0.0003) were achieved by 2 double button techniques. Overall, the level of evidence was low.

CONCLUSION

Biological and synthetic reconstructions achieved better functional scores compared to osteosynthesis. Among suture buttons, the triple button showed better functional performance.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Comparison of the TightRope system versus hook plate in acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations: a retrospective analysis

This study compared the results of the minimally invasive coracoclavicular (CC) fixation with a single TightRope (MITR) procedure and the hook plate (HP) procedure for acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation treatment. Sixteen patients with a mean age of 44.9 ± 11 years were treated with the MITR procedure. Nineteen patients with a mean age of 40.2 ± 8.7 years were treated using the HP procedure. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, Constant–Murley Score (CMS), and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder score. Vertical displacement of the clavicle with reference to the height of the acromion was measured in standard anteroposterior radiographs. The mean follow-up was 27 months in the MITR group and 30 months in the HP group. No statistically significant differences were found between the MITR group and the HR group in terms of VAS score (0.4 ± 0.6 vs 0.7 ± 0.6, P = 0.138), UCLA Shoulder score (33.9 ± 2.5 vs 33.7 ± 1.5, P = 0.843), or CMS (95.7 ± 7.3 vs 93.7 ± 6.6, P = 0.400). No redislocation was identified in the HP group, while redislocation occurred in 1 of 16 (6.3%) patients in the MITR group. One patient in the HP group (5.3%) had acromial osteolysis, while no acromial osteolysis was found in the MITR group. No other adverse events, such as infections, tunnel widening, fractures, or implant-related complications, were observed. Both procedures provided satisfactory results. The HP procedure provided better reduction, while the MITR procedure provided a slightly lower tendency of pain. Long-term follow-up is needed to investigate the clinical outcomes and radiological outcomes of both groups.

Clinical outcomes of a combined osteoligamentous reconstruction technique of Neer Type IIB distal clavicle fractures

Purpose

To evaluate outcomes for a combined osteoligamentous reconstruction technique for Neer Type IIB clavicle fractures.

Methods

Patients with Neer Type IIB clavicle fractures treated with combined clavicular locking plate and coracoclavicular ligament suture reconstruction were identified. Demographics, clinical outcomes, and radiographic outcomes were collected.

Results

Twenty-four patients with mean 13 months of follow-up were included. Bony union and normal radiographic coracoclavicular relationship were achieved in 23 (96%) patients. The mean UCLA Shoulder score was 33.3. Three (13%) complications occurred.

Discussion

The combined osteoligamentous reconstruction approach as described is a successful option for treating Neer Type IIB clavicle fractures.

Acromioclavicular joint separation treated with clavicular hook plate: a study of radiological and functional outcomes

INTRODUCTION

ACJ separation is a common shoulder injury. A variety of surgical techniques for high-grade ACJ separations have been described. A commonly used technique represents open reduction and fixation by a hook plate. Goal of the present study was to evaluate radiographic and functional outcome in patients with high-grade ACJ separations following surgical treatment with a hook plate before and after surgery as well as after hook plate removal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients undergoing surgery with a hook plate due to traumatic ACJ separation between 2012 and 2014 were included and examined during a follow-up control. Demographic and clinical data as well as radiographs pre- and postoperatively were evaluated. Additionally, range of motion, DASH Score and Constant-Murley Score (CMS) were analysed in a follow-up examination. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Spearman's rank correlation were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

99 patients (88 m/11 w, 44 y) were included in the present study. 69 (64 m/5 w, 49 y) could be examined during long-term follow-up (38 month). After hook plate removal, the CCD increased significantly (13.7 ± 0.9 mm) compared to the hook plate in situ (9.9 ± 0.8 mm, p = 0.000001). 68% of all patients achieved a full range of motion post-operatively. Main limitations of range of motion affected external rotation as well as ante-/retroversion. Mean DASH Score was 5.6 ± 1 points and CMS 90.0 ± 1.4 points.

CONCLUSION

In contrast to a significant higher CCD after hook plate removal, nearly all patients achieved good to excellent functional results for DASH and CMS. This indicates that loss of reduction does not necessarily lead to poor functional outcome after ACJ separation surgery.

Is coracoclavicular reconstruction necessary in hook plate fixation for acute unstable acromioclavicular dislocation?

Background

Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation is a relatively common shoulder injury. For the treatment of cases of severe ACJ dislocation (Rockwood type III–V), hook plate fixation is an easy-to-master and minimally-invasive approach to surgical intervention. Over stress on the acromion following hook plate fixation often leads to acromial complications such as osteolysis and loss of reduction. We hypothesized that suspensory reconstruction alongside hook plate fixation might provide a superior stability and reduce complications as compared with hook plate fixation alone. The purpose of the study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of these two surgical modalities.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 49 patients with acute ACJ dislocation from May 2010 to December 2018. Among them, 19 patients received hook plate fixation only (HP group), and 19 underwent concomitant hook plate fixation and loop suspension fixation with two mersilene sutures (HM group). The demographic data of the patients were recorded and analyzed. All patients underwent a shoulder X-ray initially, immediately postoperatively, and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months to measure the relative coracoclavicular distance (rCCD). Clinical assessment of shoulder function outcome was conducted using the Constant Murley Score (CMS); the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Score was also measured at the latest follow-up.

Results

There were no significant differences in the demographic data between the two groups. With regards to the CMS and the UCLA score, the HM group and HP group both had excellent outcomes, and no significant differences in scores were observed between groups (CMS: 93.90 ± 6.16 versus 94.47 ± 7.26, p = 0.47; UCLA score: 32.84 ± 2.91 versus 34.32 ± 1.16, p = 0.07). However, the HM group demonstrated substantial superiority in terms of maintenance of the rCCD over the HP group (91.47 ± 27.47 versus 100.75 ± 48.70, p = 0.015). In addition, there was less subacromial osteolysis in the HM group than the HP group (52.6% versus 15.8%, p = 0.038).

Conclusion

Both fixations yielded excellent functional outcomes. However, concomitant hook plate fixation with loop suspensory reconstruction demonstrated the fewer acromion complications and statistical differences in reduction maintenance with less clinical significance.

Comparison between hook plate fixation with and without coracoclavicular ligament suture for acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations

BACKGROUND

Hook plates are widely used for repair of acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocations. However, it is unclear whether repair of torn coracoclavicular (CC) ligament is necessary. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the hook plate fixation with direct CC ligament repair for acute ACJ dislocation in comparison with the hook plate fixation without direct CC ligament repair.

METHODS

The study included 120 patients with acute ACJ dislocations who underwent surgery. The patients were divided into 73 patient groups with Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) hook plate fixation and direct CC ligament repair and 47 patient groups without direct CC ligament repair. For clinical assessments, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, constant score, and time for implant removal were recorded. The corcoclavicular distance (CCD) and the CCD ratio were used for the evaluation of reduction. Typical reported complications, such as secondary dislocation, implant failure or loosening, peri-implant fracture, acromion osteolysis, and postoperative ACJ arthrosis, were also analyzed.

RESULTS

There were no differences in the clinical outcomes between the two groups. There was no difference in the timing of implant removal between the two groups. The last follow-up CCD was not statistically significant between group with direct CC ligament repair and without repair (9.1 ± 3.3 vs. 9.0 ± 2.8, respectively, p > 0.05). The last follow-up CCD ratio showed significant differences between the two groups (12.6 ± 25.5% vs. 26.3 ± 39.7, respectively, p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the complication rate between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The hook plate fixation with direct CC ligament repair group was better for maintenance of reduction than that of the hook plate fixation without direct CC ligament repair group. Although, there were no differences of clinical outcomes and complications between two groups.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, Retrospective Study.