[Athletic capacity after surgical management of acromioclavicular joint separation]

Acromioclavicular separation is a common injury in sports. This study was done to show the activity and problems of athletes after operative treatment of this kind of injury. Between 1986 and 1989 21 athletes with acromioclavicular separation had been treated by operation. The coracoclavicular ligaments had been sutured and augmented by a PDS cord. The acromioclavicular ligaments had also been reattached and the ac-joint had been transfixed with a Kirschner-wire. The results show 18 athletes doing their sports on the same level as preoperatively. Two athletes with a frequency of sporting activity once a week could not continue their sporting activity. One athlete changed the disciplines to less shoulder stressing kind of sport. The comparison of clinical and radiological results showed no correlation, even patients with an osteoarthrosis of the ac-joint and coracoclavicular ossifications had best clinical results. We recommend therefore operative treatment for acromioclavicular separation in athletes.