[Stabilization of the injured acromioclavicular joint using a new type of fixation plate]

The opinions in the question of transitory fixation of the joint during the treatment of the acromioclavicular articulation are rather different. The complications of the widely used methods--break of the implant, its tear from the bone, the wandering and the disturbances of wound healing--are well known. To decrease the number of complications authors have developed a new type of hooked plate. The plate is fitted to the anterior surface of the acromial end of the clavicle and its hook is fixed from below in the bore hole of the acromion. To choose the optimal place of the bore hole a drill guide was prepared. The operative method is described and the advantages of the method are summarized. The "Debrecen-plate" was used during 2 years in 39 injuries. 35 patients were controlled 6-24 months after the operation. Based on the results of the treatment a wider use of the method is suggested.