Anatomical Double-Bundle Coracoclavicular Reconstruction in Chronic Acromioclavicular Dislocation

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of anatomical double-bundle coracoclavicular (CC) reconstruction using the coracoacromial (CA) ligament and the conjoined tendon for the treatment of chronic acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation. A retrospective evaluation was performed on 18 patients who underwent an anatomical CC reconstruction using the CA ligament and the conjoined tendon for chronic AC joint dislocation. Patients were treated surgically between April 2007 and January 2012. Mean follow-up was 35.3 months (range, 24-49 months). All patients were evaluated for functional outcomes using the modified University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale for chronic AC injury and the Constant-Murley shoulder outcome score. Range of motion and shoulder and elbow strength were also measured. Plain radiographs were taken to evaluate reduction status and CC distance. Mean modified UCLA shoulder rating scale at final follow-up was 18.1 points (range, 13-20 points). No significant difference in mean Constant-Murley scores existed between the injured and contralateral shoulders (P=.26). At final follow-up, 15 (83.3%) patients had well-maintained reduction and 2 (11.1%) patients had a partial loss of reduction. One other patient had a complete loss of reduction due to a postoperative fall. The CC distance was not significantly different between the injured and contralateral shoulders in the immediate postoperative period (P=.46) or at final follow-up (P=.14). One superficial wound infection occurred and was treated with routine wound care. An anatomical double-bundle CC reconstruction using the CA ligament and the conjoined tendon for the treatment of chronic AC joint dislocation is a reliable surgical method with good results.