Operative treatment of acromioclavicular dislocations

An operation has been described for the treatment of Type Three acromioclavicular dislocations. It is in this type of case that previous operative procedures have proved to be unreliable, and in which conservative management has resulted in cosmetic deformity and progressive disability. The procedure of coracoacromial ligament transfer has been performed since 1952, and is adaptable for both fresh and chronic dislocations. The technic is simple and direct, and the material needed is both available and almost always uninvolved. The stability produced, after either repair without resection, or repair with resection of the clavicle, leads to a strong, stable shoulder. If there is any doubt as to the integrity of the joint, resection of the clavicle is to be preferred. The results to date have been encouraging, and in the opinion of this author, warrant further trial of this procedure.