Arthroscopic stabilization of acromioclavicular joint dislocation using the AC graftrope system

Separation of the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) is a common orthopaedic injury among athletes involved in contact sports and victims of motor vehicle accidents, particularly motorcycle crashes. High-grade ACJ disruptions (type IV-VI) are managed surgically through a variety of procedures. These range from simple plate and screw fixation to more complex procedures involving ligament repair, transfer, and reconstruction.

This paper describes a new technique utilizing a direct subacromial arthroscopic approach to performing a reconstruction of the ruptured coracoclavicular ligaments. The appropriately over-engineered fixation device is made up of a subcoracoid button secured via nonabsorbable sutures to a special clavicular washer and augmented by a centrally placed soft tissue graft.

To date, the senior author has performed 10 cases on both acute and chronic high-grade ACJ separations. All patients greater than 6 months out from surgery have returned to their normal pre-injury level of activity. No complications (infection, hardware, or graft failure) have been documented, and all have maintained the interoperative reduction of the acromioclavicular joint and coracoclavicular space.

The arthroscopic reconstruction of the AC separation is a low-morbidity, safe, and reproducible operation that provides adequate fixation and stability combined with the use of a soft tissue graft to promote sound biologic healing.