Syndesis for the dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint with artificial tendon and therapeutic results.

Abstract

Background: Operation is applied for type 5 acromioclavicular joint dislocation on Rockwood’s classification. We think that use of the artificial tendon best restores the function of the acromioclavicular joint. We tried to correctly reconstruct the anatomy of the acromioclavicular ligaments and describe the treatmet using the artificial tendon.
Materials and methods: There were 25 patients; mean age at surgery, 37.2 years. Mean time to surgery was 12.5 days. Mean follow-up was 2 years 8 months. The artificial ligament was used for reconstructing the acromioclavicular ligament. Temporary fixation of the acromioclavicular joint was not performed.
Results: MR images 1 year after surgery showed the reconstructed ligaments in 23 patients.
Two patients showed osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint.
Conclusion: we identified that anatomic reconstruction using artificial tendon  restores the function of the acromioclavicular joint and prevents the recurrent dislocation after operation.