Acromioclavicular dislocations; open reduction with screw fixation

Athletes with complete separation of the acromioclavicular joint were uniformly restored to full athletic competence by an operation consisting of direct repair of the involved ligamentous structures with temporary fixation by a metallic lag screw approximating the clavicle to the coracoid. The metallic fixation was left in place an average of eight weeks and the screw was then removed under local anesthesia. A number of professional and collegiate football players returned to the rigors of football with no discomfort or disability.