Comparison of Tight Rope Technique and Clavicular Hook Plate for the Treatment of Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocations

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to compare the tight rope technique and clavicular hook plate for the treatment of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations. Study type, settings & duration: This randomized control trial was conducted at PAEC General Hospital, Islamabad from January 2019 to December 2021. Methodology: A total of 50 patients were selected. Patients have been divided into two groups Group A patients underwent the Tight-rope technique and Group B patients underwent the clavicular hook technique. Patients presenting with acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations of Rockwood type III and V, both males and females were included aged 18 to 50. Patients presenting with type I and type II injuries, AC joint arthritis, and fractures of the distal clavicle were excluded. Both techniques were compared in terms of VAS score and CMS score postoperatively. Results: The mean postoperative VAS pain score in group A was 1.76±0.77 and 2.32±1.03 in group B. The mean CMS score in group A was 88.92±2.3 and 84.6±3.4 in group B. The outcomes in Group A showed significant improvement as compared to group B. Conclusion: The Tight-rope technique showed significantly better outcomes as compared to the clavicular hook plate technique.

Keywords

• tight-rope technique
• clavicular hook plate technique
• acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations
• acute acj injury