Midterm outcome after AC Tightrope fixation

Keywords:

AC luxation


Published online: Feb 13 2021

Andreas Dobbelaere, Louis D’hondt, André Harth, Yves Depaepe

From the AZ Jan Palfijn Gent, Belgium

Abstract

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome after a single AC TightRope® fixation in patients with an acute Rockwood type III-VI AC joint dislocation.

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent AC TightRope® fixation for an acute Rockwood type III-VI AC joint dislocation. During follow-up functional outcome was assessed using the Constant Murley Score (CS) and the UCLA Shoulder Rating Scale. A standard anteroposterior x-ray of both the operated and the contralateral shoulder was performed. The coracoclavicular (CC) distance was measured and compared with the day 1 postoperative x-ray.

Twenty-nine patients participated the study. Mean follow-up time after surgery was 43,4 months. Clini- cally the results were excellent : The mean CS was 91, the mean UCLA score was 33. Radiologically a mean loss of reduction of 3.2mm was seen. Fol- lowing radiological findings were seen : Clavicular tunnel widening, coracoclavicular calcifications, and osteolysis at the clavicular button site.

Patients treated with a mini-open single AC TightRope® fixation had excellent midterm functional outcomes.