• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.159-165
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• 2014

Background: Kirschner's wire (K-wire) transfixation and locking hook plate fixation techniques are widely used in the treatment of acute acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiologic outcomes between K-wires transfixation and a locking hook plate fixation technique. Methods: Seventy-seven patients with acute ACJ dislocation managed with K-wire (56 shoulders) and locking hook plate (21 shoulders) were enrolled for this study. The mean follow-up period was 61 months. Results: At the last follow-up, the shoulder rating scale of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) was higher in patients treated with locking hook plate than with K-wires ($33.2{\pm}2.7$ vs. $31.3{\pm}3.4$, p=0.009). In radiologic assessments, coracoclavicular distance (CCD) (7.9 mm vs. 7.7 mm, p=0.269) and acromioclavicular distance (ACD) (3.0 mm vs. 1.9 mm, p=0.082) were not statistically different from contralateral unaffected shoulder in locking hook plate fixation group, but acromioclavicular interval (ACI) was significant difference. However, there were significant differences in ACI, CCD, and ACD in K-wire fixation group (p<0.001). Eleven complications (20%) occurred in K-wire transfixation group and 2 subacromial erosions on computed tomography scan occurred in locking hook plate fixation group. Conclusions: ACJ stabilization was achieved in acute ACJ dislocations treated with K-wires or locking hook plates. Locking hook plate can provide higher UCLA shoulder score than K-wire and maintain CCD, and ACD without ligament reconstruction. K-wire transfixation technique resulted in a higher complication rate than locking hook plate.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.168-171
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• 2016

Fractures at the lateral end of the clavicle inevitably require surgical treatment as there is high potential for delayed union or nonunion. Acromioclavicular dislocation also requires stable and solid fixation for healing, and surgical treatment is recommended for the maintenance of joint function. The hook plate maintains the biomechanics of the acromioclavicular joint, enabling early range of motion. Therefore, for the past 10 years, the hook plate has been widely used in distal clavicle fractures and acromioclavicular joint injuries. However, the hook plate is associated with several complications, such as proximal clavicle fractures, widening of the hook hole, rotator cuff tear, subacromial impingement, and often acromial fractures. We report on two unusual cases of acromion fracture after hook plate fixation in patients with distal clavicle fracture and acromioclavicular dislocation alongside a literature review.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.48-55
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• 2018

While non-operative treatment with structured rehabilitation tends to be the strategy of choice in the management of Rockwood type III acromioclavicular joint injury, some advocate surgical treatment to prevent persistent pain, disability, and prominence of the distal clavicle. There is no clear consensus regarding when the surgical treatment should be indicated, and successful clinical outcomes have been reported for non-operative treatment in more than 80% of type III acromioclavicular joint injuries. Furthermore, there is no gold standard procedure for operative treatment of type III acromioclavicular joint injury, and more than 60 different procedures have been used for this purpose in clinical practice. Among these surgical techniques, recently introduced arthroscopic-assisted procedures involving a coracoclavicular suspension device are minimally invasive and have been shown to achieve successful coracoclavicular reconstruction in 80% of patients with failed conservative treatment. Taken together, currently available data indicate that successful treatment can be expected with initial conservative treatment in more than 96% of type III acromioclavicular injuries, whereas minimally invasive surgical treatments can be considered for unstable type IIIB injuries, especially in young and active patients. Further studies are needed to clarify the optimal treatment approach in patients with higher functional needs, especially in high-level athletes.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.88-96
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• 2005

Purpose: To compare and analyze the outcome of primary clavicular lateral end resection method and conventional acromioclavicular (AC) joint reduction method in type III AC dislocation patients over 45 years. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on selected 24 cases of type III AC dislocation patients, over 45 years of age, operated at our hospital from 1998 to 2002. Group I consist of 12 patients who underwent primary clavicular lateral end resection methods (average age: 54.3 years$(45{\sim}72)$). Group II consist of 7 patients using Bosworth methods and 5 patients using Phemister methods (average age: 54.4 years$(45{\sim}71)$). Clinical outcome was evaluated by Weaver and Dunn method. Radiological results were compared by measuring coracoclavicular distance between normal and injured side. Results: As clinical outcome, good was 10 cases(83%); fair 2(17%) in Group I, and good 6(50%); fair 3(25%); poor 3(25%) in Group II. In contrast, the difference of coracoclavicular distance was not statistically significant between two groups before or after surgery, and last follow up. At the last follow up, there was no special correlation between the difference of coracoclavicular distance and clinical outcome. Conclusion: We considered that primary clavicular lateral end resection may be effective for prevention of arthrosis in AC joint in type III AC dislocation patients over 45 years.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.115-122
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the results of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation treatment with coracoclavicular ligament augmentation using Tight-Rope$^{(R)}$ (Arthrex). Materials and Methods: From October 2009 to March 2011, 30 patients with acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation underwent coracoclavicular ligament augmentation using Tight-Rope$^{(R)}$ and were followed up for at least 12 months after surgery. The radiologic results were qualified according to serial plain radiographs, and the clinical results according to University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Scale, Constant score, and VAS pain score. Results: Using the UCLA scoring system, excellent results were observed in 22 cases (73%), good results in five cases (17%), fair results in two cases (7%), and a poor result in one case (3%). The average Constant score was $92.5{\pm}7.5$. According to radiologic results, anatomical reduction was achieved in 26 cases, and two cases showed a moderate loss of reduction, and two cases showed complete re-dislocation. Clinical results for patients with re-dislocation were unsatisfactory and reoperation was required. Conclusion: Coracoclavicular ligament augmentation using Tight-Rope$^{(R)}$ is a good option providing reliable functional results in patients with acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.196-201
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• 2006

We report two cases of migration of K-wires from the acromioclavicular joint to the neck. A 73-year-old man complained of right shoulder pain for one month and had undergone orthopedic surgery because of acromioclavicular joint dislocation about 27 years earlier. Another 56-year-old man complained of left shoulder pain and neck pain for 5 years and had undergone orthopedic surgery because of acromioclavicular joint dislocation about 25 years earlier. In both cases, we took X-rays to look for the cause of shoulder pain and discovered broken and migrated K-wires in the neck. We removed the K-wires from the trapezius muscle and the paraspinal muscle respectively. K-wire fixation technique is simple and effective but should be followed up with X-rays periodically. In addition, we should warn patients of the possibility of migration of K-wire. And it is desirable for us to avoid using K-wire near major neurovascular structures like the sternoclavicular joint and the clavicle.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.17-23
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• 2001

There has been considerable controversy concerning the methods for treatment of dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint, especially in grade III injury. The authors have treated 24 cases of the complete dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint from January 1990 to July 2000. We performed 14 cases of coracoclavicular wiring operation, 10 cases of modified Phemister operation and compared the results and complication of wiring operation with modified Phemister. The clinical results in modified phemister operation were excellent in 8 cases(80%), good in 1 case(l0%), fair 1 case(10%). In wiring operation, excellent is 11 case(78%), good is 2 case(14%), fair is 1 case(14%). The complications of modified Phemister operation were breakage and migration of K-wire in 2 cases. In wiring operation, breakage of wire was in 2 cases but migration was not showed. We prefered coracoclavicular wiring operation for dislocation of acromioclavicular joint of active young adults because of the following advantages: 1) violation of acromioclavicular joint can be avoided but rotation of the clavicle was not restricted. 2) The operation is simple to perform. 3) Postoperative immobilization is minimal. 4) Removal of the wire is easy because wire was not migrated when breakage of wire was occured.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.46-52
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• 2008

Purpose: This study examined the outcomes of reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments with using two suture anchors and performing coracoacromial ligament transfer in patients with acromioclavicular dislocation. Material and methods: Forty patients with complete acromioclavicular dislocation were included in this study. According to the preoperative radiographs, 5 patients with AC dislocations were diagnosed as type III, 4 patients as type IV and 31 patients as type V. Two 3.5mm suture anchors with four strands of nonabsorbable sutures were separately placed on the anterolateral and posteromedial portion of the base of the coracoid process to stabilize the distal clavicle. The coracoacromial ligament was then transferred to the undersurface of the distal end of the clavicle for augmentation. Results: At a mean follow-up of 28 months, the average Constant score improved to 97 points. All the patients returned to normal life at an average of 3.2 months postoperatively. At the last follow-up, 37 patients achieved anatomical reduction and three patients showed complete redislocation. However, the clinical results of the patients with redislocation were satisfactory. Conclusion: Anatomical coracoclavicular reconstruction using two suture anchors and coracoacromial ligament transfer for treating complete acromioclavicular dislocation is a safe, effective procedure for restoring a physiologically stable acromioclavicular joint.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.13-18
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the radiologic and clinical results of the arthroscopic coracoclavicular fixation of the acute acromioclavicular dislocation using $TightRope^{(R)}$ (Arthrex, Inc, Naples, FL). Materials and Methods: We performed the arthroscopic coracoclavicular fixation using $TightRope^{(R)}$ in twenty patients with the Rockwood type III or V acute acromioclavicular dislocation between February, 2009, and February, 2010. Mean follow-up was 13.4(range 8~22) months. Radiologic results were evaluated by comparing the distances between the clavicle and the coracoid process with those in the contralateral sides using the acromioclavicular stress radiographs. Clinical results were made according to the KSS(Korean Shoulder Scoring System), and the cosmetic satisfaction of the patient was assessed. Results: Radiologically, 18 cases showed excellent, 1 case showed good and 1 case showed fair results. Clinically, KSS was mean 98.5 (range 92~100) points and all cases revealed satisfactory cosmetic results. Because one case complained of skin tenderness and discomfort of palpation, we closed the knot with surrounding muscle & fascia. Then local wound infection occurred, so we treated it by incision and drainage under local anesthesia and antibiotic therapy for 2 weeks. Conclusion: Arthroscopic coracoclavicular fixation using $TightRope^{(R)}$ for treating the Rockwood type III or V acute acromioclavicular dislocation showed satisfactory radiologic and clinical results. It seems to be a good treatment method that has little postoperative complication, provides an early rehabilitation and an excellent cosmetic result, and does not require secondary operation for removal of metal implant.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.155-161
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• 2006

Purpose: To compare the clinical and radiological results between the modified Weaver-Dunn method and modified Phemister method in the acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 19 patients who were treated for the acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation from 2001 to 2002. 10 patients were operated with the modified Weaver-Dunn method (group A) and the others with modified Phemister method (group B). The classification of preoperative injury was analyzed by using the Rockwood system, the clinical assessment of preoperative and postoperative by the modified UCLA rating scale and the radiological assessment by simple x-ray. Results: With the modified UCLA rating scale, group A showed 5 cases(50%) of excellent and 5 cases(50%) of good, group B showed 4 cases(44.4%) of excellent and 5 cases(55.6%) of good. In the radiologic findings of the coracoclavicular distances, group A was 16.2 mm at preoperative, 8.8 mm at postoperative, 9.7 mm at last follow-up and group B was 12.9 mm, 6.7 mm and 7.9 mm respectively. Postoperatively there were no complications such as surgical wound infection and failure of Kirschner wires. Conclusion: Both the modified Weaver-Dunn and modified Phemister methods have shown satisfied clinical and radiologic results, and there was no difference in these result between two groups (p>0.05).