Optimal Management of Acromioclavicular Dislocation: Current Perspectives

Surgical vs conservative: what is the best treatment of acute Rockwood III acromioclavicular joint dislocation? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

No literature consensus was found about the best treatment of acute Rockwood type III acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation. In particular, the advantages and disadvantages between conservative treatment and surgery are not sufficiently quantified in the current literature.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science and Embase in March 2024. We selected studies comparing surgical and conservative treatment in acute Rockwood III ACJ dislocations. The two treatment methods were compared in terms of Constant score; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH); American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score; Acromioclavicular Joint Instability Score (ACJIS); subjective shoulder value (SSV); radiographical findings; reported complications; and return to sports activity. The risk of bias and quality of evidence were assessed using Cochrane guidelines.

Results

A total of 1844 articles were evaluated, and ten were included in the study for a total of 397 patients. The results of the meta-analysis showed no significant differences between the two groups in terms of Constant score (P = 0.31), DASH (P = 0.52), ASES (P = 0.66) and SSV (P = 0.21), while it highlighted a statistically significant difference in terms of ACJIS (P = 0.00) and acromioclavicular (P = 0.00) and coracoclavicular distance (P = 0.00).

Conclusion

The results showed no significant differences in terms of patient-reported or objective functional outcomes between the two treatment groups. Nonetheless, it highlights a difference in terms of radiographical outcomes and type of complications. While surgical intervention is able to improve joint reduction, it adds the risk for surgical complications.

Midshaft clavicle fractures with associated ipsilateral acromioclavicular joint injuries: a systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Isolated midshaft clavicle fractures (MCF) and acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injuries are common, but simultaneous cases are rare and often receive insufficient clinical attention, resulting in missed diagnoses. Moreover, there is no consensus on the injury mechanism, classification, and treatment, and the prognosis remains poorly summarized. This review aims to provide an overview of MCFs with ipsilateral ACJ injuries, focusing on injury mechanism, classification, treatment, and prognosis.

METHODS

We searched the literature published between 1962 and 2024 on PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE using the search terms "clavicle fracture [Title/Abstract]) AND (acromioclavicular [Title/Abstract])". Studies reporting clinical outcomes in patients with MCF and ipsilateral ACJ injuries were included. 37 studies were included after screening. The study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Data on study design, patient demographics, treatment approaches, and outcomes were extracted for qualitative analysis. We then summarized key findings and presented our insights.

RESULTS

MCFs with ipsilateral ACJ injuries are often associated with comorbidities such as rib fractures, hemopneumothorax, scapula fractures, neurovascular injuries, and atypical MCF displacement patterns. These cases should raise suspicion for combined injuries. Due to the "floating" nature of the lateral clavicle, the "Piano Key Sign" is typically negative and not reliable for diagnosis. Initial ACJ evaluation may be inconclusive, so reevaluation after MCF fixation is recommended. Type IV ACJ injuries can be underestimated on anteroposterior radiographs, and additional axillary radiographs and CT scans may better visualize posterior clavicle displacement. Most researchers believe ACJ capsule and ligament damage occurs first, but is insufficient to cause significant dislocation, suggesting that isolated MCF may involve combined ACJ injury with intact coracoclavicular ligaments. Notably, most patients reported favorable outcomes without major complications within two years, regardless of treatment approach.

CONCLUSIONS

MCFs with ipsilateral ACJ injuries are rare and often missed when ACJ injuries are mild. The injury mechanism is unclear, and no classification system exists to indicate severity. These injuries are typically treated separately without a unified protocol. Despite promising outcomes, further studies are needed to address these issues and improve understanding of long-term results.

Time-sensitive injuries for the sports medicine surgeon - "Sports Medicine Trauma", Part 1: Upper Extremity

Skeletal fractures are traumatic injuries that are widely accepted as requiring acute treatment to avoid long-term disability and dysfunction. There are a number of soft-tissue injuries or non-traditional fractures, frequently treated by sports medicine surgeons, which additionally require treatment in an expedited fashion in order to optimize healing and function. Sports medicine injuries of the lower extremity requiring acute treatment include, but are not limited to, irreducible shoulder dislocations, acute traumatic rotator cuff tears, posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocations, high grade acromioclavicular joint dislocations, pectoralis major tendon ruptures, distal biceps tendon ruptures, and triceps tendon ruptures. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the sports medicine injuries of the upper extremity which require acute/urgent management to facilitate optimal treatment.

Surgical Advances in the Treatment of Acromioclavicular Joint Injury: A Comprehensive Review

In this article, we aim to review the diagnosis, classification, and treatment of acromioclavicular joint injury by mainly describing the progress of surgical treatment for acromioclavicular joint injury, providing a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Acromioclavicular joint injury is a common sports injury, which is more common in male than in female patients. The mechanism of the injury is mainly caused by direct or indirect violence, which can be clearly diagnosed by radiography. According to the time after injury, it can be divided into acute injury and chronic injury. The Rockwood classification is the most commonly used classification in research. For Rockwood types V to VI, we treat with surgery, while the treatment options for type III are controversial and no consensus has been reached. Surgical treatment can be divided into open surgery and shoulder arthroscopy. The methods of open surgery can be divided into 3 categories: direct acromioclavicular joint fixation, coracoclavicular space suspension device fixation, and coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction. The shoulder arthroscopy method involves reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligament under arthroscopy, combined with suture-button suspension fixation. For patients with Rockwood classification III and IV-VI, who have significant movement needs, surgery is the preferred treatment for acute acromioclavicular dislocation within 3 weeks. For patients with a chronic acromioclavicular dislocation or who do not respond to nonsurgical treatment, it is recommended to use wire suspension fixation combined with ligament to repair the damage. This article aims to review advances in the management of acromioclavicular joint injury.

Tendon graft through the coracoid tunnel versus under the coracoid for coracoclavicular/acromioclavicular reconstruction shows no difference in radiographic or patient-reported outcomes

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this prospective study was to report the outcomes of two different methods in CC and AC reconstruction for the treatment of AC separation using a tendon graft and knot-hiding titanium clavicular implant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-seven patients with Rockwood grade III and V acromioclavicular (AC) separations were randomized into two groups. The primary outcome was whether taking the tendon graft through the coracoid risked a fracture. The following were secondary outcomes: follow-up of clavicular wound healing and Nottingham Clavicle score, Constant score, and Simple Shoulder Test results obtained preoperatively and 24 months postoperatively. The anteroposterior radiographic change between the clavicular and coracoid cortexes and the clavicular tunnel diameter was measured postoperatively and 24 months postoperatively. General patient satisfaction with the outcome (poor, fair, good, or excellent) was assessed 2 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

No coracoid fractures were detected. No issues in clavicular wound healing were detected. The mean Nottingham Clavicle score increased from a preoperative mean of 42.42 ± 13.42 to 95.31 ± 14.20 (P < 0.00). The Constant score increased from a preoperative mean of 50.81 ± 17.77 to 96.42 ± 11.51 (P < 0.001). The Simple Shoulder Test score increased from a preoperative mean of 7.50 ± 2.45 to 11.77 ± 1.18 (P < 0.001). The changes were significant. The coracoclavicular distance increased from 11.88 ± 4.00 to 14.19 ± 4.71 mm (P = 0.001), which was significant. The clavicular drill hole diameter increased from 5.5 to a mean of 8.00 ± 0.75 mm. General patient satisfaction was excellent.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences between the two groups. There were no implant related complications in the clavicular wound healing. The results support the notion that good results are achieved by reconstructing both the CC and AC ligaments with a tendon graft.

STUDY REGISTRATION

This clinical trial was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov.

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.

Proximal humerus fracture and acromioclavicular joint dislocation

Proximal humerus fractures and injuries to the acromioclavicular joint are among the most common traumatic diseases of the upper extremity. Fractures of the proximal humerus occur most frequently in older people and are an indicator fracture of osteoporosis. While a large proportion of only slightly displaced fractures can be treated non-operatively, more complex fractures require surgical treatment. The choice of optimal treatment and the decision between joint-preserving surgery by means of osteosynthesis or endoprosthetic treatment is often a difficult decision in which both fracture morphology factors and individual factors should be taken into account. If endoprosthetic treatment is indicated, satisfactory long-term functional and clinical results have been achieved with a reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Injuries to the acromioclavicular joint occur primarily in young, athletic individuals. The common classification according to Rockwood divides the injury into 6 degrees of severity depending on the dislocation. This classification forms the basis for the decision on non-operative or surgical treatment. The indication for surgical treatment for higher-grade injuries is the subject of controversial debate in the latest literature. In chronic injuries, an autologous tendon transplant is also performed. Whereas in the past, treatment was often carried out using a hook plate, which was associated with complications, the gold standard today is minimally invasive treatment using Endobutton systems. This review provides an overview of the two injury patterns and discusses the various treatment options.

Management of type III acromioclavicular joint dislocation: A Delphi consensus survey by Shoulder & Elbow Society, India (SESI)

PURPOSE

The study aimed to report the results of the Delphi survey conducted by the Shoulder, Elbow Society India (SESI), to achieve consensus on ambiguous topics in managing type III acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocations.

METHODS

This study was based on responses from the Shoulder Elbow Society India (SESI) panel of peer-selected twenty senior surgeons practicing shoulder orthopedics. They participated in two rounds of the survey to obtain consensus on several topics pertaining to the management of type III ACJ dislocations. Consensus was achieved when at least 70 % of the panel members selected at least a 4-point on a 5-point Likert scale.

RESULTS

Our Delphi survey reached a consensus on seven topics of ambiguity. An anteroposterior and axillary view of the shoulder without any traction or weight in hand is sufficient in the setting of a suspected type III ACJ dislocation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not routinely indicated in type III ACJ dislocation. Either cross-arm adduction X-rays or clinical examination may be used to distinguish between ISAKOS (International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee surgery and Orthopaedics Sports medicine) IIIA and B classification of ACJ to identify stable and unstable injuries. Conservative treatment can be offered to patients who have stable injuries and who are not high-demand individuals in acute type III ACJ dislocations. In conservative management of type III ACJ dislocation, a two-week sling suffices. Jones strapping has no clear advantage over a shoulder sling. Coracoclavicular reconstruction with an autograft is an acceptable way to treat symptomatic, chronic grade III ACJ dislocation.

CONCLUSION

The survey helped achieve consensus on several controversial issues related to type III ACJ dislocations. However, there remains ambiguity on the definition of chronicity of such dislocations, the necessity of bilateral Zanca views, and the duration of conservative trial before switching to a surgical line of management.

Functional reconstruction of chronic acromioclavicular joint separation using a double suture technique combined with semitendinosus autograft

PURPOSE

We present the functional and clinical results of a combined surgical technique that functionally restores chronic Acromioclavicular Joint Instability (AJI). The method combines a double-looped suture fixation augmented with a semitendinosus autograft.

METHODS

Between 2017 and 2021, 15 patients were treated using the surgical technique. All patients suffered an Acromioclavicular Joint Separation that remained untreated for at least 6 (6-16) weeks after the initial injury. Four Ethibond sutures were passed below the coracoid process and through a 4.5 drill hole in the clavicle. The sutures provided adequate horizontal and vertical reduction and stabilization of the clavicle. A semitendinosus autograft was passed below the coracoid process and looped around the clavicle. The remaining graft limbs were used to reconstruct the acromioclavicular capsule. Patients were radiologically evaluated with bilateral anteroposterior (AP), Zanca, and Alexander views. The clinical evaluation was based on the Acromioclavicular Joint Instability Score and the Constant-Murley Score.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 31.2 months (17-61). The mean last ACJIS and CMS scores were 96 (90-100) and 97.67 (87-100), respectively. Reduction of the clavicle was radiologically confirmed in all cases throughout the follow-up period. AC arthritis was reported in 1 case without associated clinical symptoms. No significant complications were reported, and all patients returned to the pre-injury activity level.

CONCLUSION

The presented functional reconstruction of the AC joint disruption in chronic cases is an effective and secure method with low complication rates and good clinical results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

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.

Implant-dependent behavior of tunnel widening and clavicular button migration after arthroscopic-assisted treatment of acromioclavicular joint instabilities

INTRODUCTION

Despite ongoing discussions for the previous few decades, there is still no consensus regarding the optimal surgical technique for acromioclavicular joint instabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of various implant materials following arthroscopically assisted stabilization of acromioclavicular joint instabilities on tunnel widening and implant migration. We hypothesized an implant-dependent behavior for tunnel widening and implant migration with differences when comparing acute and chronic acromioclavicular joint instabilities.

METHODS

This study compared 105 patients with acromioclavicular joint instabilities that were managed operatively with coracoclavicular double button constructs. Two of the groups containing acute cases were treated with either a double button construct with a wire (TR) or a tape (D) as a central pillar. The two groups with chronic cases were either treated with a wire (T+) or tape D+ as a central pillar and additional hamstring tendon augmentation (+). One central transclavicular-transcoracoidal drill channel was made in the acute cases, while additional medial and lateral drill channels to augment the central pillar with the hamstring tendon were made. The central drill channel in all cases and the medial/lateral drill channels in chronic cases were subsequently radiologically analyzed immediately postoperatively and at follow-up. Following this, additional radiological analysis of the implant migration of the clavicular button took place.

RESULTS

All groups showed significant tunnel widening of the central drill channel at follow-up (p ≤ 0.001). The TR+ technique demonstrated significant widening in both the medial (p ≤ 0.001) and lateral (p ≤ 0.001) drill channels. The D and D+ group displayed significant higher rates of clavicular button migration to a cortical and intraosseous level (p ≤ 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Tunnel widening and implant migration following arthroscopically assisted management of acromioclavicular joint instabilities are dependent on the chosen implant. The stable tape showed a significantly increased degree of tunnel widening with respect to the central drill channel in comparison with the wire. In contrast, a higher degree of load capacity of the tape ultimately favors a protected intraosseous graft healing for chronic cases, which leads to less tunnel widening of the medial and lateral drill channel. Finally, the D/D+ implant groups showed higher rates of implant migration due to lower contact surface area of the implant at the upper clavicular cortex.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

ANATOMICAL AND BIOMECHANICAL ROLE OF STATIC STABILIZERS OF THE ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT

OBJECTIVE

The aim: To determine the anatomical and biomechanical significance of the static stabilizers of the acromioclavicular joint by conducting numerical modeling using the finite element method and experimental investigation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: To ensure the study, modeling of the deformation processes of the clavicle and scapula systems with various combinations of ligament damage was conducted. The COMPAS-3D software package was used to build the simulation model, which allowed obtaining models that are closest to reality. To verify the results of the numerical modeling, corresponding studies of the mechanical characteristics and determination of the stiffness of the investigated systems were carried out using the upgraded TIRAtest-2151 testing stand.

RESULTS

Results: The stiffest system is the system in which all ligaments are intact, and the sequence of decreasing stiffness of the system is presented in the following order: damage to lig. trapezoideum; lig. conoideum; lig. claviculo-acoacromiale inferior; lig. claviculo-acoacromiale superior; the coracoclavicular ligament complex; the acromioclavicular ligament complex.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: Static stabilizers in general, and their components in particular, are characterized by significant anatomical and functional features. The natural stabilization of the acromioclavicular joint is provided by their synergistic interaction, which is the basis for the development and implementation of surgical interventions, the scope of which includes the restoration of both ligament complexes. The loss of stiffness in the «clavicle-scapula» system is significantly more pronounced when lig. acromioclaviculare superior and inferior are damaged (8.5 N/mm) than when lig. conoideum and lig. trapezoideum are damaged (11.6 N/mm).

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.

Is coracoclavicular ossification a complication or a good prognostic factor after surgical treatment of acromioclavicular joint injury?

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether heterotopic ossification (HO) in the coracoclavicular (CC) space after surgical treatment of acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injury is a complication or a sign of good prognosis.

Methods

Fifty-nine consecutive patients who underwent CC reconstruction with or without augmentation of the ACJ for acute ACJ injuries were analyzed. Postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant score (CS), subjective shoulder value (SSV), and visual analog scale (VAS) results were evaluated. For radiological evaluation, HO was evaluated, and CC distances were measured.

Results

Fifty-one patients (11 women and 40 men; mean age, 36 years [range, 17-68 years]) were evaluated after a mean follow-up of 3 years (range, 2-8 years). The mean ASES score at the follow-up was 82.73 (range, 51.6-100), mean CS was 85 (range, 50-100), mean SSV was 80 (range, 40-100), and mean VAS was 1.9 (range, 0-5). It was observed that the clinical outcomes (ASES, CS, SSV, VAS) of patients who developed ossification in the CC space were better than those who did not although it was not statistically significant. No statistically significant differences were found in the clinical outcomes (ASES, CS, SSV, VAS) between patients who underwent CC reconstruction without augmentation of the ACJ and those who were combined (P > .05).

Conclusion

HO in the CC space is a common finding following AC joint fixation injury. We suggest that HO is not a complication and might possibly have positive effects on clinical outcomes.

Grade III Acromioclavicular Separations Treated With Suspensory Fixation Techniques: A Systematic Review of Level I Through IV Studies

Purpose

To perform a systematic review comparing clinical outcomes, radiographic outcomes, and complication rates after acute (surgery ≤6 weeks from injury) versus chronic (surgery >6 weeks from injury) acromioclavicular joint reconstructions for grade III injuries using modern suspensory fixation techniques.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of the literature examining acute versus chronic surgical treatment of Rockwood grade III acromioclavicular joint separations using the Cochrane registry, MEDLINE database, and Embase database over the past 10 years according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines. The inclusion criteria included techniques using suspensory fixation, a minimum study size of 3 patients, a minimum follow-up period of 6 months, human studies, and English-language studies. The methodology of each study was evaluated using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) tool for nonrandomized studies and the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias (RoB 2) tool for randomized controlled trials.

Results

The systematic review search yielded 20 studies with a total of 253 patients. There were 2 prospective randomized controlled trials, but most of the included studies were retrospective. On comparison of acute surgery (≤6 weeks) and chronic surgery (>6 weeks), individual studies reported a range of Constant scores of 84.4 to 98.2 and 80.8 to 94.1, respectively. The ranges of radiographic coracoclavicular distances reported at final follow-up also favored acute reconstructions, which showed improved reduction (9.2-15.7 mm and 11.7-18.6 mm, respectively). The reported complication rates ranged from 7% to 67% for acute reconstructions and from 0% to 30% for chronic reconstructions.

Conclusions

The ranges in the Constant score may favor acute reconstructions, but because of the heterogeneity in the surgical techniques in the literature, no definitive recommendations can be made regarding optimal timing.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, systematic review of Level I through IV studies.

Anatomic reconstruction of the coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular ligaments with semitendinosus tendon graft for the treatment of chronic acromioclavicular joint dislocation provides good clinical and radiological results

PURPOSE

To evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes of anatomical reconstruction of the coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular ligaments with single-strand semitendinosus tendon graft for the treatment of chronic acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

METHODS

Patients affected by chronic type III-V acromioclavicular joint dislocations were included. Exclusion criteria were: age under 18 years, concomitant rotator cuff tears, previous surgery to the same shoulder, degenerative changes of the glenohumeral joint, infections, neurologic diseases, patients with a previous history of ligament reconstruction procedures that had required harvesting of the semitendinosus tendon from the ipsilateral or contralateral knee. All patients underwent the same surgical technique and rehabilitation. Primary outcome was the normalized Constant score. Secondary outcomes were: DASH score, radiographic evaluation of loss of reduction and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis.

RESULTS

Thirty patients with a mean age of 28.9 ± 8.3 years were included. Mean time to surgery was 12.8 ± 10 months. Mean follow-up was 28.1 ± 2.4 months (range: 24-32). Comparison between pre- and postoperative functional scores showed significant clinical improvement (p < 0.001). Time to surgery was independently associated with a poorer Constant score (p < 0.0001). On radiographs, 4 patients (13.3%) showed asymptomatic partial loss of reduction.

CONCLUSION

Anatomic reconstruction of coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular ligaments using a semitendinosus tendon graft for the treatment of chronic acromioclavicular joint dislocation provided good clinical and radiological results at minimum 2-year follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

"A Sick Child is Always the Mother's Property": The Jane Austen Pediatric Trauma Management Protocol

Two pediatric accidents in Jane Austen's Persuasion (1818) and one in Margaret Oliphant's The Doctor's Family (1863) are examined from the point of view of trauma management with analysis of contributing risk factors, medical management, concerns of parents and bystanders, and course of recovery. Risk factors for injury are impulsivity, poor supervision, and parents who are unable to set limits. Medical attention is swift and competent, but no heroic measures are used; the management of the injuries, concussion with loss of consciousness and dislocation of the collar bone, is consistent with the way these conditions are, for the most part, still managed today, and successful recovery depends on careful nursing and rest. Louisa Musgrove, who suffers a severe head injury, requires ten weeks of convalescence and undergoes a marked personality change, which we might today attribute in part to post-concussion syndrome but which may reflect contemporary debate about the biological basis of personality and behavior. A sudden traumatic injury to a child or adolescent changes the narrative abruptly, in fiction or in life, dividing a story into before and after, introducing grief and anxiety, and requiring that plans be rethought and personal relationships reshuffled with decisions about caretaking and nursing.

Treatment of a Failed Type V Acromioclavicular Separation Due to Coracoid Fracture: Revision of Acromioclavicular-Coracoclavicular Reconstruction and Coracoid Fixation

Acromioclavicular (AC) injuries are common, especially in the young and active population. AC joint dislocations account for 8% of all joint dislocations and are even more common in contact sports. These injuries are graded as type I through type VI on the basis of the Rockwood classification method. Types I and II are generally treated without surgery whereas types IV, V, and VI are best treated operatively. Type III dislocations remain controversial in terms of treatment, and many surgeons recommend nonoperative treatment first and operative treatment in case of continued symptoms such as pain, instability, or shoulder girdle dysfunction. The goal of operative treatment is to restore AC joint stability, which involves addressing both the coracoclavicular and coracoacromial ligaments to achieve a desirable patient outcome. The objective of this Technical Note is to describe our technique for management of a failed acromioclavicular stabilization, treated with a coracoclavicular and AC joint capsular reconstruction using tibialis anterior and semitendinosus allografts.

Combined Coracoclavicular and Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction with Allograft Using a Cerclage Tensioning System

Acromioclavicular joint separations are common shoulder injuries, yet standard treatment practices vary. Popular surgical techniques include reconstruction using allografts or neighboring ligaments as well as repair using screws and sutures. This Technical Note and accompanying video describe both an acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular joint reconstruction using an allograft to replace native acromioclavicular ligament along with an AC joint reduction using a Suture Cerclage System to precisely control reduction and restore anatomic alignment.

Midterm Results of Tension Band Wiring Technique for Acute Rockwood Type III Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of patients with acute type III Rockwood acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation treated surgically by employing tension band wiring. Methods The study included 24 patients with traumatic type III ACJ dislocations according to the Rockwood classification. The clinical and radiological outcomes of patients were assessed at the final follow-up visit. Implant failure and reduction loss were assessed using radiographs, whereas the Constant-Murley scoring system was used to assess the patients clinically. Results The mean follow-up period was 3.5 ± 1.3 years (range: 1-6 years). The mean age of the patients was 41.8 ± 11.7 years (range: 19-64 years) and the mean length of hospital stay was 2.3 days (range: 1-6 days). The fixation material was removed postoperatively at an average of 7.2 ± 9.9 months (range: 3-40 months). At the end of the follow-up period, the mean Constant-Murley score was 72.5 ± 12.8 (range: 50-90). The ACJ reduction was stable in 13 (54.2%) patients. Residual subluxation was detected in 11 (45.8%) patients. Distal clavicular osteolysis was noted in six (25%) patients. Acromioclavicular osteoarthritis was detected in five (20.8%) operated shoulders on follow-up radiographs. During the follow-up, Kirschner-wire migration and breakage occurred in four (16.6%) and seven (29.1%) patients, respectively. Conclusions This study showed that surgical treatment with the tension band wiring method provided functionally satisfactory results even if complications developed because of the presence of implants. Independent of age, we can recommend it as the primary treatment method for patients who do not have very high expectations regarding their shoulder function. Additionally, we think that reducing the duration of implant retention will reduce the incidence of complications.

RR, Costa G, Verdalet I, Ezzeddine H, Rius X. Arthroscopically Assisted Comprehensive Double Cerclage Suture Fixation Technique for Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Separation

Acromioclavicular dislocations are some of the most frequently recorded and controversial injuries in the athletic population. These injuries have historically been a matter of disagreement between surgeons, particularly when it comes to the surgical technique used to treat them, its approach, or its timing. Consensus over the "gold standard" procedure to treat them is yet to be established. Even though numerous surgical techniques have already been described, the number of complications and loss of reduction remains a matter of concern for treating physicians. Here, we present an arthroscopically assisted coracoclavicular and horizontal acromioclavicular fixation technique in a modified figure-of-eight configuration using 2 strong FiberTape Cerclage sutures, with measurable tension, for the comprehensive treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocations.