Introduction:

The surgical treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation remains controversial. We describe herein a combined two-stage technique that includes an arthroscopic approach followed by a mini-invasive approach.

Material and methods:

41 patients with acromioclavicular dislocation grades III, IV and V. Acute and chronic lesions and revision surgeries were included during the follow-up. Patients with other shoulder conditions were excluded. Mean age was 28.6 years. Patients were assessed preoperatively with the UCLA and Constant scores, and the pain visual analog scale. The 6- and 12-month postoperative evaluation included X-rays to assess coronal and axial stability, coracoclavicular ossifications, signs of acromioclavicular arthrosis and/or distal clavicular osteolysis.

Results:

The Constant scores were as follows: 41.3 preoperatively; 89.4 at 6 months; 92.3 at 12 months. The UCLA scores were as follows: 21.7 preoperatively; 29.1 at 6 months; 31.4 at 12 months. The VAS scores were 8.4, 2.3 and 1.2, for the same periods respectively. Two cases had repeated injury due to trauma and one case was dissatisfied with the cosmetic appearance of the scar. The X-ray assessment showed two cases of loss of stability and one case of distal clavicular osteolysis.

Conclusion:

The combination of two reduction methods, a synthetic one and a biological one allows for a solid anatomical reconstruction that is stable in the coronal and axial planes and good medium-term results.