Therapeutic results of acromioclavicular joint dislocation complicated by rotator cuff tear

To evaluate the operative findings and postoperative results of one-stage repair on patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocation complicated by rotator cuff tear.

Between 1992 and 1999, one-stage repair was performed on 5 patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocation complicated by rotator cuff tears. Modified Cadenat procedure for acromioclavicular joint dislocation, and McLaughlin procedure for rotator cuff tear, were performed on these patients. Postoperative results at the final examination were assessed according to the criteria for therapeutic effects on shoulder joint disorders of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association.

There was partial-thickness cuff tear in one patient, and full-thickness cuff tear in the remaining 4 patients. In all patients, tears were located only in the supraspinatus tendon, and were medium or small ones with maximal diameter of 3 cm or less. After a mean follow-up period of 56 months (range, 36-79 months), all patients were assessed to have excellent results. No patient showed a good reduction of the acromio-clavicular joint.

For patients successfully treated by one-stage repair, satisfactory results were obtained without pain or disturbance in activities of daily living.