[Triple-Endobutton technique for the treatment of Tossy type III acromioclavicular joint dislocation]

To evaluate the clinical outcomes and complications of Triple-Endobutton plates in treating Tossy type III acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

From January 2011 to January 2013,45 patients with Tossy type III acromioclavicular joint dislocation were treated with Triple-Endobutton plates. There were 35 males and 10 females with an average age of 30.5 (ranged from 19 to 60) years old. At the final follow-up, VAS, DASH, Constant-Murley criterion were used to evaluate shoulder function.

All patients were followed up from 15 to 36 months. No neurovascular injury, wound infection and stress fractures were found,but 3 patients had a re-dislocation. At the final follow-up,the mean VAS score was decreased from (5.7±1.6) preoperatively to postoperative (0.2±0.1); DASH score was significantly decreased from (19.6±4.3) preoperatively to (0.3±0.1) postoperatively; Constant-Murley score was improved from (34.4±4.3) before operation to (94.8± 3.5) after operation.

Clinical outcomes of treating Tossy type III acromioclavicular joint dislocation with Triple-Endobutton plates is satisfactory. However, re-dislocation is still the most common complication. Careful perioperative management is an important factor in preventing re-dislocation.