Background: Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation accounted for 9% of all shoulder injuries. Classical nonanatomic fixations might cause joint instability or redislocation. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of shoulder arthroscopy using the extra-glenohumeral joint coracoid base exposure technique for AC joint dislocation.
Methods: Our prospective study recruited 20 patients with AC joint dislocation who underwent shoulder arthroscopy using extra-articular coracoid base exposure technique from October 2020 to June 2021. Demographic information, clinical features, and Rockwood type were collected. Our primary endpoint was the Constant score and the improvement in coracoclavicular (CC) distance.
Results: The mean follow-up period was 30.75 (min-max 23–40) months. AC joint dislocation of Rockwood type III (n = 6), type IV (n = 8), and type V (n = 6) was assessed; six cases (30%) had combined injuries: four cases had impingement subacromial, one case had Bankart injury, one case had the coracoclavicular joint screw fixation which was failed at the first time. The mean Constant score before surgery was 50.00 ± 6.74, after surgery was 96.50 ± 3.41 (P < 0.001). The mean CC gap before surgery was 20.82 ± 2.20, after surgery was 9.91 ± 1.38 (P < 0.001). One case had a loss of reduction with a Constant score of 96.
Conclusions: Arthroscopic treatment for acromioclavicular joint dislocation achieved satisfactory outcomes.
