Failure of acromioclavicular reconstruction using Gore-Tex graft due to aseptic foreign-body reaction and clavicle osteolysis: a case report

Presurgical perspective and postsurgical evaluation of acromioclavicular joint instability

Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocations are a common cause of pain in patients of any age. Athletes who participate in contact sports, such as hockey, football, rugby, and soccer, are particularly susceptible to such injuries. The ACJ has an important role in the function of the upper limb, and its complexity of movement makes it susceptible to acute injuries and chronic dysfunction with debilitating effects that must be treated appropriately and promptly to preserve function. Recently, ACJ has received increasing attention due to the development of new surgical techniques for the restoration of normal function and stability. There is some agreement about the treatment of ACJ dislocations, but controversy remains about the treatment of Rockwood grade III dislocations, and a new approach to these injuries is suggested by ISAKOS. Overall, the paper summarizes new concepts in the anatomy of the ACJ and reviews the utility of imaging methods in ACJ dislocations as well as their treatment and complications.

Distal Clavicle Osteolysis after Modified Weaver-Dunn's Procedure for Chronic Acromioclavicular Dislocation: A Case Report and Review of Complications

Distal clavicle osteolysis after acromioclavicular joint stabilization has only been described after the use of hardware for clavicle stabilization or synthetic graft causing a foreign body reaction. This paper reports a very rare case of distal clavicle osteolysis after modified Weaver-Dunn procedure for the treatment of chronic acromioclavicular joint dislocation. The paper also provides a comprehensive review of complications of this surgical technique and discusses a potential vascular etiology and preventive strategies aimed at avoiding clavicle osteolysis.

Evaluation of the coracoclavicular reconstruction using LARS artificial ligament in acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation

PURPOSE

The most appropriate procedure for surgical treatment of severe acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation was still not clear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of coracoclavicular (CC) reconstruction with ligament augmentation and reconstruction system (LARS) artificial ligaments for the treatment of acute complete AC joint dislocation.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients (16 male and 8 female, ages ranged from 21 to 45) with acute complete AC joint dislocations were treated with CC reconstruction using LARS artificial ligaments. All these dislocations were unstable injuries. Clinical evaluation was used by the Constant scores and VAS. The radiographic evaluation consisted of Zanca radiographs for bilateral AC joint and axillary radiographs for the injured shoulder.

RESULTS

All patients had follow-up times of 36 months (range 6-60). The Constant scores rose from 62.3 ± 6.9 preoperatively to 94.5 ± 9.3 at final evaluation (P < 0.05). Preoperative VAS scores were 5.1 ± 1.7, and the VAS scores at the last review were 0.7 ± 1.4 (P < 0.05). Follow-up radiographs showed anatomical reduction in 20 patients and slight loss of reduction in 4 patients. Calcification of CC ligament in 4 patients, degenerative change around the AC joint in 2 patient and clavicular osteolysis around screws in one patient were found.

CONCLUSIONS

LARS artificial ligament for reconstruction of CC can provide immediate stability and allow early shoulder mobilization with good functional results and few complications. This procedure was an effective and safe method to treat grade III and more AC joint dislocations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Bone Osteolysis Following Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction Using Synthetic Ligament (Surgilig™)

Good short term results have led to increased use of synthetic ligaments for acute and chronic acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) disruption. They have proved quite safe in the short term but we present two cases of osteolysis following ACJ reconstruction using a synthetic ligament, reminding surgeons of potential complications with artificial ligaments. A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose such complications early before irretrievable bone loss to osteolysis.

Endoscopically assisted reconstruction of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation using a synthetic ligament. Outcomes at 12 months

OBJECTIVES

The treatment for acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation remains controversial because of the elevated level of complications and related morbidity. The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes, radiographic results, and the complications after arthroscopic stabilization of acute stages III or IV (Rockwood classification) acromioclavicular dislocations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixteen patients (15 males and one female) found to have Rockwood stage III or IV AC joint dislocation were operated. All the patients were stabilized arthroscopically with a synthetic ligament placed between the clavicle and the coracoid. The application of the synthetic ligament reduced the dislocation and stabilized the AC joint, allowing healing of the coracoacromial ligament. Results were assessed clinically (Constant score) and radiographically before and a mean 12 months after the treatment.

RESULTS

Despite the excellent clinical results at the last follow-up both in terms of the Constant score (mean, 91 points; range, 60-100) and patient satisfaction, two patients required revision surgery while some had pain over the clavicular button. The X-rays showed three cases of partial loss of reduction due to distal migration of the flip button.

DISCUSSION

Arthroscopically assisted treatment of acute AC joint dislocation is advantageous because it provides good clinical results and few complications. The rate of recurrence and the postoperative loss of reduction requires better definition of the indications and improvement of the surgical implants and technique.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV. Prospective cohort study.

Biomechanical comparison of a modified Weaver-Dunn and a free-tissue graft reconstruction of the acromioclavicular joint complex

BACKGROUND

Most surgical reconstructions of the separated acromioclavicular joint do not address the injured ligaments and capsule of the acromioclavicular joint.

PURPOSE

This study was undertaken to compare the biomechanical characteristics of a modified Weaver-Dunn reconstruction and an intramedullary acromioclavicular joint reconstruction that uses a free-tissue graft for reconstruction of both the coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular ligaments.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Each pair of 6 matched pairs of cadaveric shoulders was randomly selected for a modified Weaver-Dunn reconstruction on 1 side and the contralateral side was used for free-tissue graft reconstruction of the coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular ligamentous complexes. Anterior-posterior and superior-inferior acromioclavicular joint translation (in millimeters) was measured with acromioclavicular joint compressions of 10, 20, and 30 N, and with translational loads of 10 and 15 N both before and after acromioclavicular joint reconstruction. Load-to-failure testing was then performed for each construct. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (translational testing) and Wilcoxon signed rank test (load-to-failure testing), both with P = .05, were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Mean anterior-posterior and superior-inferior translation of the intramedullary acromioclavicular joint reconstruction was significantly less than that of the modified Weaver-Dunn under all loading conditions (P < .001 and P = .001, respectively), but was not significantly different from that of the intact state (P = .656 and P = .173, respectively). Although the mean ultimate and yield loads and linear stiffness for the intramedullary acromioclavicular reconstruction were greater than that of the modified Weaver-Dunn reconstruction, this did not reach statistical significance (P = .625, P = .625, and P = .625, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Acromioclavicular joint reconstruction with free-tissue graft for both the coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular ligamentous complexes demonstrates initial stability significantly better than a modified Weaver-Dunn and similar to that of intact specimens.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This acromioclavicular joint reconstruction provides the surgeon with a relatively nondestructive option.

Acromioclavicular joint injuries: diagnosis and management

Acromioclavicular joint injuries represent nearly half of all athletic shoulder injuries, often resulting from a fall onto the tip of the shoulder with the arm in adduction. Stability of this joint depends on the integrity of the acromioclavicular ligaments and capsule as well as the coracoclavicular ligaments and the trapezius and deltoid muscles. Along with clinical examination for tenderness and instability, radiographic examination is critical in the evaluation of acromioclavicular joint injuries. Nonsurgical treatment is indicated for type I and II injuries; surgery is almost always recommended for type IV, V, and VI injuries. Management of type III injuries remains controversial, with nonsurgical treatment favored in most instances and reconstruction of the acromioclavicular joint reserved for symptomatic instability. Recommended techniques for stabilization in cases of acute and late symptomatic instability include screw fixation of the coracoid process to the clavicle, coracoacromial ligament transfer, and coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction. Biomechanical studies have demonstrated that anatomic acromioclavicular joint reconstruction is the most effective treatment for persistent instability.