Introduction
Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation is common in sports medicine. Surgical intervention is generally indicated for acute dislocation of Rockwood grade III and more severe injuries. Various methods of reconstruction and augmentation have been described.
Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of treatment of acute ACJ dislocation with coracoacromial ligament transfer combined with coracoclavicular suture loop and acromioclavicular suture fixation.
Patients and methods
Twenty-five patients with acute ACJ dislocation were treated with the previous technique. All patients underwent surgery within 2 weeks of injury. Through anterosuperior shoulder incision, two Ethibond sutures were wrapped under the coracoid and around the clavicle. Moreover, four drill holes were made in the acromion and clavicle (two in each bone) where another Ethibond suture was used to pass through these holes to fix the ACJ. Finally, the coracoacromial ligament was transferred to the under surface of the clavicle.
Results
The mean follow-up was 19 months; the mean Constant score improved to 96 points. All 25 patients returned to normal life at a mean of 2.5 months postoperatively. Radiologically, 22 patients achieved anatomical reduction of ACJ. In three patients, mild sublaxation was encountered.
Conclusion
Triple fixation technique is a simple, cheap, and reliable procedure for restoring stability in cases of acute ACJ dislocations. It does not only prevent the superior translation, but it also prevents the anterior–posterior translation of the clavicle.