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Long-term shoulder function after type I and II acromioclavicular joint disruption.
1Department of Surgery, Novo Mesto General Hospital, Novo Mesto, Slovenia. mmikek@artros.si
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|June 28, 2008
Summary
Acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations, types I and II, can lead to long-term shoulder dysfunction in over half of patients. These common injuries may result in persistent symptoms and reduced shoulder function years later.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Musculoskeletal Research
Background:
- Acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations are common, particularly Rockwood types I and II.
- Conservative treatment is typical, but persistent symptoms are a concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term shoulder function after type I or II AC joint disruption.
- To determine the incidence of persistent symptoms following these injuries.
Main Methods:
- A case series (Level of evidence, 4) assessed 23 patients.
- Shoulder function was evaluated at a mean of 10.2 years post-injury.
- Objective and subjective measures (Constant, UCLA, SST scores) were compared to the uninjured shoulder.
Main Results:
- 52% of patients reported occasional AC joint symptoms at long-term follow-up.
- Significant reductions in Constant, UCLA Shoulder Scale, and SST scores were observed in the injured shoulders compared to the uninjured side (P < .001).
- Injury severity and AC joint width did not significantly impact functional scores.
Conclusions:
- Type I and II AC joint disruptions impair long-term shoulder function in approximately half of patients.
- Persistent symptoms and functional deficits are common even after conservative management of these injuries.
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