Mid-term Results Using The AO Hook Plate For Rockwood TypeIII Acromioclavicular Dislocation

Objectives: We evaluated the long-term results of acromioclavicular dislocations treated with acromioclavicular fixation using the AO hook plate.Methods: acromioclavicular fixation was performed using the AO hook plate in 16 patients (12 males, 4 females; mean age 43years; range 25 to 55 years;13 left shoulder,3 right shoulder) with Rockwood typeIII acromioclavicular dislocations. Fixation was performed with the AO hook plate without repairing of the coracoclavicular ligament . The hookplates were removed after mean 11.4 months; range 8 to 17months. The patients were evaluated for cosmetic appearance, functional status, pain, localized tenderness, articular range of motion, and with the functional Constant scoring system. The mean follow up was 39 months (range 25 to 58 months).Results: The mean Constant score was 97.75 (range 91.6 to 100). The UCLA score was 33.69 (range 32 to 35). There was no subluxation of the acromioclavicular joint. The alignment of the acromioclavicular joint was normal in all patients. None of the patients showed joint degeneration. All patients were pain-free and achieved full range of motion.Conclusion: With ease of application, low complication rate, and low rate of acromioclavicular joint arthrosis, using the AO hook plate without repairing of the coracoclavicular ligament for acromioclavicular dislocations is an effective surgical method in providing satisfactory shoulder function in acromioclavicular dislocations.