ANATOMIC ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT RECONSTRUCTION
Most AC joint separations are treated with physiotherapy. Those who develop persistant symptoms may be treated surgically. Standard surgical treatment includes metal hook plate and screw fixation to hold the AC joint in the correct position. However, this requires a second surgery to remove hardware.
A newer, advanced procedure is to perform an anatomic AC joint reconstruction using allograft tendons to restore the function of the coracoacromial ligaments torn during the injury. These ligaments normally hold the clavicle to the acromion and prevents AC joint from separating. This procedure does not require a second surgery to remove hardware, facilitates faster rehabilitation and is closer to restoring normal anatomy.
Hook plate AC fixation
After anatomic AC joint reconstruction. Visible are two tunnels in the clavicle that the allograft tendon passes through and attaches to the coracoid.
Type III acromioclavicular separation
Dr. Mark Chiu
Dr. Mark Chiu
Acta Orthopaedica Belgica
