[Initial experience with arthroscopic resection of the lateral margin of the clavicle.]

The author describes the diagnosis, indications, surgical procedure, postoperative care and initial results of treatment of acromioclavicular arthritis by arthroscopic resection of the lateral margin of the clavicle. The diagnosis of the disease involves clinical and X-ray examination which can be supplemented by ultrasonic examination of soft tissues in the area of the shoulder joint. Indication for surgery is idiopathic or posttraumatic arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint. Arthroscopic resection of the lateral margin of the clavicle ist the endoscopic equivalent of open resection arthroplasty of the joint. The operation is performed under general anaesthesia using common arthroscopic equipment. 1-1.5 cm of the lateral margin of the clavicle are resected. The advantage of this procedure is minimal traumatization of soft tissues, peroperative osteosynthesis of the acromioclavicular joint is not necessary nor prostoperative fixation of the shoulder. This creates prerequsite conditions for early rehabilitation and thus a more rapid return to full burdening of the operated extremity. In indicated cases the operation can be extended by arthroscopic subacromial decompression and revision of the glenohumeral joint. The authors' results are consistent with data in the literature and are the prerequisite for including the operation into the spectrum of currently performed arthroscopic operations. Key words: arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint, arthroscopic resection of the lateral margin of the clavicle, resection arthroplasty.