The Treatment of Acromioclavicular Dislocation Comparison Study between Bosworth Screw and Wolter Plate Technique

Kang, Jae Do; Kim, Kwang Yul; Kim, Hyung Chun; Jung, Kyung Chil; Lim, Mun Sup; Kim, Jin Hyung; Lee, Seong Joo

Abstract

PURPOSE: Acromioclavicular joint dislocation are frequently seen and various operation treatment modalities have been suggested. The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical results of two operative methods, Bosworth screw procedure and Wolter plate technique.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We have analysed 30 patients with acromioclavicular dislocations, which had been treated by Bosworth screw & Wolter plate technique from June 1996 to February, 2002 with minimal 1 year follow up. All patients were assessed clinical and radiological results by ASES Score and UCLA Score.
RESULTS
Using the Shoulder evaluation scheme of ASES and UCLA Score at the one year follow up examination, 93.4% of the patients had excellent results in Wolter plate group. In Bosworth screw group, 4 complications such as loosening of the screw, or breakage of screw were seen. 2 complicated patients were over 40 years old and then conversions to Wolter plate operation was needed and obtained good results.
CONCLUSION
Bosworth procedure has a merit not to damage acromioclavicular joint, but the technique is difficult, sometimes may be encountered loss of fixation due to overcorrection and anterior displacement of the clavicle. However, Wolter plate implant provides enough stability for active postoperative physiotheraphy, and hence accelerates rehabilitation. Therefore, this technique is thought to be a good modality in the treatment of acute acromioclavicular seperation.