Long-term results of conservative treatment for acromioclavicular dislocation

We have reviewed 30 patients who had been treated conservatively for acromioclavicular dislocation between 1979 and 1982 at an average of 12.5 years after the injury. All except one had a good outcome as did five others contacted by telephone. In all patients reviewed the acromioclavicular joint remained subluxed or dislocated. With conservative treatment a good long-term outcome can be expected without restoration of the anatomical configuration of the joint.