Arthroscopic fixation of type III acromioclavicular dislocations


Published online: Oct 27 2007

Jan F. A. Somers, Dietert Van der Linden

From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jan Yperman Hospital, Ypres, Belgium

Abstract

Type III Acromio-Clavicular Joint dislocations can be treated successfully by surgical stabilisation in situ, with or without reconstruction of the coraco-clavicular ligaments. The authors describe a simple and reliable mode of fixation, performed arthroscopically. The technique can be used for in situ fixation, or as part of an arthroscopically assisted Weaver and Dunn procedure. Using a metallic anchor loaded with a braided polyfilament suture, a strong and reliable fixation of the clavicle to the coracoid process is obtained. No hardware removal is necessary. Concomitant glenohumeral pathology can be treated simultaneously.