All arthroscopic augmented Vargas procedure: An option after failed acromioclavicular joint dislocation reconstruction. A technical note

Few salvage procedures have been described after a failed Weaver-Dunn procedure. We hypothesized that it was possible to perform an all-arthroscopic revision with a reflected vascularized conjoint tendon into the distal resected clavicle (Vargas procedure) augmented by an artificial coraco-clavicular ligament. Two patients were enrolled. A minimum of 3-cm proximal conjoint tendon was dissected under arthroscopic control. The half-longitudinal conjoint tendon split, leaving its proximal end attached to the coracoid process, was made and incised transversely near the muscles fibers. While being still vascularized with the tip of the coracoid process, the tendon was tubularized, reflected proximally and transferred into the distal part of the clavicle. An artificial coraco-clavicular ligament augmented the transfer. No complication was described. After a minimum of two-year follow-up, there was no recurrence of AC instability and there was normal ROM; two patients returned to sport.Level of evidenceLevel IV-a, case series.