Operative Treatment of Acromioclavicular Dilocation: Comparative Study Between Two Operative Methods

Byun, Young Soo; Park, Jung Ho; Lee, Soon Hyuk; Jeon, Seung Joo

Abstract

Acromioclavicular joint dislocations are frequently seen with industrial accident, sports activity and traffic accident. Various operative treatment modalities have been suggested. The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical results of two operative methods in young patients with acromioclavicular dislocation. The authors analyzed the clinical and radiological results of 30 patients with acromioclavicular dislocation, in whom 15 patients were treated by acromioclavicular reduction & fixation with K-wire(Phemister procedure) and 15 patients by acromioclavicular reduction & coracoclavicular fixation by cancellous screw with coracoclavicular ligament repair(Bosworth procedure) from March 1989 to September 1993 at Ansan Hospital, Korea University. They were followed up more than 12 months. The results obtained were as follows: 1. The difference of coracoclavicular distance compared with normal side after operation was 2.6mm in Phemister operations and 1.6 mm in Bosworth operations. And these differences were not changed at follow up significantly. 2. The complications were two K-wire migrations, one superficial infection, and one recurred gross deformity after pin removal in Phemister operations and two mild upward migrations of screw after Bosworth operations. 3. We obtained similar good results after Phemister and Bosworth operations. But less complications were visible, and anatomical reduction and early ROM exercise were possible after Bosworth operations.