J Korean Fract Soc.  2009 Oct;22(4):259-263. 10.12671/jkfs.2009.22.4.259.

Long Term Follow up Results of the Operative Treatment of the Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation with a Wolter Plate

• Kang KS
• Lee HJ
• Lee JS
• Kim JY
• Park YB

• KMID: 1469992
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2009.22.4.259

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the long-term clinical and radiological results of the operative treatment of the acromioclavicular dislocation with a Wolter plate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed clinical and radiological data of twenty patients (mean age: 37 years) who underwent the operative treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation using a Wolter plate from September, 1999 to December, 2002 with minimum of five years follow-up (average 6 years 7 months). The clinical outcomes of twenty patients were evaluated by UCLA scoring and radiological results of fifteen patients with available radiograph were evaluated by Zanca view and stress view. RESULTS: The mean UCLA score was mean 33 points (range, 27~35) at final follow up. By clinical evaluation, twelve cases (60%) were excellent, six cases (30%) were good and two cases were poor (10%). By radiological evaluation, eight cases (54%) were excellent (without displacement), five cases (33%) were good (displacement <5 mm) and two cases (13%) were poor (displacement >5 mm). Erosive change in acromioclavicular joint was seen in poor case. CONCLUSION: Wolter plate fixation may be a useful modality for treating acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Great care should be taken to make the hook hole at the appropriate position during operation for long-term prognosis.

Keyword

Acromioclavicular joint; Dislocation; Wolter plate

MeSH Terms

Acromioclavicular Joint
Dislocations
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Prognosis

Figure

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  Fig. 1 X-ray shows the coracoclavicular distance (white arrow).

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  Fig. 2 (A) Preoperative stress radiograph shows type V acromioclavicular dislocation. (B) Postoperative 8 years stress radiograph of same patient shows no differences of coracoclavicular interval and degenerative changes of acromioclavicular joint.

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  Fig. 3 X-ray of 45 year old male at postoperative 3months shows widening of the hook hole (white arrow).

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