A modified method of coracoid transposition for the treatment of complete dislocation of acromioclavicular joint

To report a new method of coracoid transposition for the treatment of complete dislocation of acromioclavicular joint and to evaluate its efficacy.

We modified Dewar's surgical method as follows: (1) Two small incisions, a transversal incision on the acromioclavicular joint and a longitudinal incision on the coracoid, were made instead of a conventional large arc incision from the acromion to coracoid. (2) The foreign body in the acromioclavicular joint was cleared out. The chondral surface at the lateral segment of clavicle was resected to form a pseudarthrosis and meanwhile the residual joint capsule and ligaments were repaired. (3) The coracoid was moved to the anteroinferior edge of the clavicle instead of the anterior margin and (4) the coracoid was moved to the lateral border of the clavicle instead of the superior border of the coracoclavicular ligament.

The follow-up duration in 30 patients of the series was from 6 to 72 months (mean 41 months). Functional assessment was carried out by the criteria delineated previously by Karkson, in which Grade A was in 24 cases, Grade B in 4 cases, and C in 2.

This modified technique, having less postoperative complications and less injuries to tissues and according well with the requirement of biomechanics, can achieve a stable reduction of acromioclavicular joint with a good functional and cosmetic result and therefore is preferable to use clinically on a large scale.