Arthroscopic Fixation for Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Disruption Using the TightRope Device

Abstract

Purpose. To review outcome after arthroscopic fixation for acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation using the TightRope device. Methods. Records of 15 men and 2 women aged 19 to 52 (mean, 35) years who underwent arthroscopic fixation using the TightRope device for acute (<3 weeks) AC joint dislocation of Rockwood type III (n=6), type IV (n=1), and type V (n=10) were reviewed. Outcome was evaluated using the Constant score. The coracoclavicular (CC) distance before and after surgery was compared. Results. The mean follow-up period was 22.1 (range, 12–37) months. The mean time to return to work was 4 (range, 1.5–12) months, excluding one failure. The mean postoperative Constant score was 86.4 (range, 63–96). The CC distance decreased from 21.5±5.2 mm preoperatively to 9.8±3.5 mm at 6 months and to 10±3.2 mm at one year. There was no over-correction. All patients had satisfactory outcome except for one who had rupture of the TightRope suture at 6 months. Two patients had partial loss of reduction (≥2 mm) after 3 to 6 months secondary to osteolysis at the clavicular button site. Conclusion. Arthroscopic fixation using the TightRope device for acute AC joint dislocation achieves satisfactory outcome.