The low-profile loop titanium plate system for acromioclavicular joint dislocation: A retrospective cohort study on...

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of LP-LTPS for treating Rockwood type IIIB ACJ dislocation, while analyzing the learning curve and CUSUM curve of the new technique. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 179 patients with Rockwood type IIIB ACJ dislocation (82 in the LP-LTPS group and 97 in the hook-plate control group) between April 2020 and May 2022. Learning curve and CUSUM curve analyses were performed using operation time data from the LP-LTPS group, with the first 5 cases excluded as the learning phase. Clinical outcomes included Constant-Murley Score and visual analogue scale, operation time, incision length, blood loss, complications, and radiographic parameters. Statistical comparisons used independent t-tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables (P <.05). The learning curve showed surgical proficiency was achieved after 5 cases, with stable operation time (38.88 ± 5.42 minutes). The LP-LTPS group demonstrated significantly shorter incision length, reduced blood loss, and lower complication rate versus the control group (all P <.05). Postoperative Constant-Murley Score was higher in the LP-LTPS group at all time points (P <.05). For visual analogue scale, the LP-LTPS group had significantly lower pain scores at 2 days, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively (P <.001), with no significant differences at 6 and18 months (P >.05). Preoperative AC/CC distances were comparable between groups (P >.05). At 12 months postoperatively, both groups showed significant reductions in AC/CC distances versus baseline (P <.001), with no significant between-group differences (P >.05). LP-LTPS offers superior clinical outcomes with a short learning curve, fewer complications, better functional recovery, and early pain control compared to control group for Rockwood type IIIB ACJ dislocation, supporting its use as an effective alternative.