Operative treatment of chronic acromioclavicular dislocation

Six patients (median age 35 years) were reviewed at an average of 24 months after operation for chronic acromioclavicular dislocation. The operation consisted of resection of the lateral part of the clavicle and transference of the coracoacromial ligaments as a substitute for the coraco-clavicular ligament. The ligament was secured by an AO screw for 6 weeks. In five patients the reasons for operation were pain, when working and sleeping, and, in one patient, pressure on the skin. Three of the patients complained of weakness. At follow-up the results were excellent in four patients and good in two. Three patients had mild pain when lying on the shoulder and three had complaints where the flake of bone attached to the transferred ligament was inserted into the clavicle. We now recommend a modification of the method, omitting the flake of bone.