Arthroscopic fixation using TightRope device for acute acromioclavicular joint disruptions

BackgroundAcromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is a common shoulder injury that affects young adults. The treatment of these injuries depends on dislocation grade, the patient's complaints and time since injury.MaterialsPatients with acute AC joint injuries (Rockwood grades III–V) of less than 4 weeks duration were included in the study. We had 10 cases of AC joint injuries, which fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All patients were diagnosed based on history, examination and plain radiographs. Grading was done based on plain radiographs. Patients with grades III–V were selected for TightRope fixation. All 10 patients with AC joint injury underwent arthroscopic AC joint fixation using TightRope. Functional outcome of patients was done using constant shoulder score preoperatively and postoperatively. All patients were followed up for at least one year. We were able to achieve satisfactory reduction in all the patients.ResultsMean constant score at the final follow-up was 92.2 (range 76–97). The mean difference in constant score between operated and normal shoulder was 9.8. On the basis of difference of constant score, 7 patients had excellent results, 2 had good results and 1 had fair result.ConclusionArthroscopic fixation of acute AC joint dislocation using the TightRope device is a simple, reproducible, minimal invasive technique that enables a rapid return to activity for the acute injury.