Acromioclavicular dislocations treated by coracoacromial ligament transfer

Forty-seven patients with acute Allman type-III acromioclavicular dislocations were treated with open reduction and coracoacromial ligament transfer. At follow-up 1.6-10 years (mean 6) post-operatively 44 patients (94%) had excellent or good functional results. Two of the three patients with unsatisfactory results had degenerative joint changes. No late dislocation was found but there were three subluxations (3-5 mm). Two of the three patients with subluxation in the acromioclavicular joint at follow-up had unsatisfactory results. Complications were infrequent and cosmetic results satisfactory.