OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to present the radiographic and functional results of patients undergoing treatment for chronic acromioclavicular dislocation with coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction using tendon graft. METHOD: Between 2007 and 2008, fifteen patients with chronic Rockwood type III through V acromioclavicular joint dislocations underwent reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments using semitendinosus tendon graft. Two patients were excluded due to inadequate follow up. Thirteen patients were followed up clinically and radiographically after a mean of 16 months (range 12-26 months). Clinical evaluation was performed using the UCLA and Constant scores. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were compared. RESULTS: In this group of 13 patients followed up for at least one year, the Constant score ranged from 60.9 (26-88) in the preoperative evaluation to 87 (60-98) at the last evaluation during the postoperative period (p< .001). The mean UCLA score improved from 16.8 points (11-27) to 33 (29-35) points. (p=0.001). After 1 year of follow-up, the postoperative radiographic control showed twelve patients (92%) with equal coracoclavicular distance between the affected and unaffected shoulders. No anteroposterior translation in the axial view was present in any of the shoulders operated on. CONCLUSION: The functional and radiographic results were very satisfactory in patients undergoing reconstruction of chronic acromioclavicular dislocations, with a low recurrence rate. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
Acromioclavicular joint; Dislocations; Tendons; Transplants
