[Acromioclavicular dislocation. Conservative or surgical treatment?]

The anatomy of the acromioclavicular joint is described and the mechanism of trauma causing dislocation of the joint is presented. Acromioclavicular dislocation is subdivided according to Allman's classification and special lesions are described. The therapeutic principles are discussed on the basis of the literature. It is concluded that all grade 1 and grade 2 lesions may be treated symptomatically and conservatively with good results. Where grade 3 lesions are concerned, it is concluded that conservative therapy appears to provide better results than operation. The final functional results are the same and the period of convalescence is briefer with conservative therapy. In addition, complications of conservative therapy are less serious and are easy to treat with good results.