Treatment of Complete Acromioclavicular Dislocation: Present Indications and Surgical Technique with Biodegradable Cords

We report a retrospective study of 48 patients with complete acromioclavicular dislocation (Tossy III). All patients (38 male; 10 female) with an average age of 33.4 years underwent surgery including PDS-augmentation. More than half of the injuries were caused by sport accidents. There were no complications during surgery. 87 % of the patients were free of complaints and subjectively very satisfied with the surgical results. By radiological examination we diagnosed a subluxation of the clavicula in 25 % of the cases and arthrosis in 17 % of the cases. Assessment of subjective complaints, the clinical examination, and the radiological diagnostic according to the Taft Score (0 - 12 points) resulted in an average value of 10.2 points. The surgical intervention using PDS-cord augmentation in cases of complete acromioclavicular separation is a safe and economic method with a low complication rate. Advantages are possible early-functional treatment, no risk of movement of implants, and avoidance of metal removal.

Key words:

Acromioclavicular dislocation - PDS-cords - Tossy III - biodegradable material

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