Outcome Analysis of Loop Endobutton Repair for Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation

Introduction: Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations represent a frequent injury among young- and middle-aged adults, often resulting from high-energy trauma such as road traffic accidents and falls. While surgical intervention is standard for high-grade (Rockwood III-VI) injuries, the optimal technique remains debated. This study evaluates the clinical and functional outcomes of the Endobutton loop system in the management of acute AC joint dislocations.

This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Orthopaedics, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, over 18 months. A cohort of 25 skeletally mature patients presenting with acute Rockwood Grade III to VI AC joint dislocations underwent surgical reconstruction using a closed-loop Endobutton device. Patients were monitored at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Outcomes were assessed using the Constant-Murley Shoulder Score (CMS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain.

The mean age of participants was 41.16 ± 12.25 years, with a marked male predominance (84%). Rockwood Type III was the most frequent presentation (52%). Functional recovery demonstrated a statistically significant progressive improvement, with the mean CMS increasing from 54.68 ± 2.65 at 2 weeks to 90.64 ± 3.59 at 6 months. Simultaneously, mean VAS scores showed a significant reduction from 8.12 ± 0.92 to 1.52 ± 0.50 over the same period. The overall complication rate was low (8%), with no hardware-related failures requiring revision in 92% of cases.

The Endobutton loop system is a safe, reliable, and effective surgical method for managing acute AC joint dislocations. It provides stable anatomical reduction, leads to excellent functional recovery, and is associated with minimal post-operative complications across all Rockwood grades.