[Results of reconstruction of acromioclavicular joint rupture with PDS implants]

From 1986 to 1994, we treated 79 patients with acute acromioclavicular separations by surgical reconstruction. According to the classification of Rockwood and Matsen. 65 patients had type III lesions, 1 patients had a type IV lesion and 13 patients had type V lesions. Both the coracoclavicular ligaments and the ligaments of the acromioclavicular joint were reconstructed. An additional ligamentous augmentation was performed using completely resorbable 5- and 10-mm polydioxanone-sulphate bands. Fifty-five patients (70%) were reexamined 1-7.5 years after surgery (mean 28 months). The results were good to excellent in 50 cases (90%). Fifty-two patients (93%) achieved a range of motion with an abduction deficit of less than 20 degrees. Calcifications in the area of the coracoclavicular ligaments did not affect the final range of motion. Early complications consisted of a subcutaneous infection, one deep infection, and one reconstruction failure. Late complications consisted of a redislocation in 2 patients and symptomatic post-traumatic arthritis of the joint in 3 cases. Augmenting the reconstruction with polydioxyanone-sulphate bands allowed early functional post-operative treatment. With this procedure, patients do not require removal of the implant, and complications from breakage or migration of metal implants are avoided.