A Prospective Comparative Study of Clinical Outcomes of Hook Plate and Endobutton Fixation Techniques for...

Acromioclavicular joint dislocations (ACJDs) are prevalent shoulder injuries that often lead to significant disability, necessitating surgical repair to regain joint stability and function. The evolution of surgical techniques and the development of various implants have introduced multiple treatment modalities, among which the hook plate (HP) and the endobutton (EB) have gained prominence. The HP and EB are prominent implants used for this purpose, each offering distinct advantages and potential complications.

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of acromioclavicular (AC) joint fixation with HP and EB fixation techniques in treating acute AC joint dislocations.

The present study was an observational prospective study conducted at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, involving 34 patients, divided into two groups: EB and HP groups receiving fixation of ACJD by EB and HP techniques, respectively. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score at 1 st , 3 rd , 6 th , and 12 th months postoperatively.

Results demonstrated significant improvements in both the EB and HP groups over time, indicating reduced pain and disability. Throughout the follow-up period, the EB group consistently showed lower DASH scores and higher UCLA scores than the HP group. At 12 months, the EB group also exhibited a slightly higher ASES score, suggesting better functional outcomes and increased joint stability.

The EB fixation technique may offer superior clinical outcomes in terms of functional improvement, joint stability, disability, and pain reduction compared to the HP technique for ACJD.