Long-term functional and radiological outcome after AC Tightrope® fixation in patients with acute Rockwood type III-VI acromioclavicular joint dislocation

Purpose: 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. Methods: 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 Shoulder Score (SSC) 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. Results. Twenty-nine patients participated the study. Mean follow up time after surgery was 43,4 months. Clinically the results were excellent: The mean Constant Shoulder score was 91, the mean UCLA score was 33. Radiologically some secondary loss of reduction was seen. Following radiological findings were seen: Clavicular tunnel widening, coracoclavicular calcifications, and osteolysis at the clavicular button site. Conclusion: Patients treated with a mini-open single AC TightRope® fixation had excellent long-term functional outcomes.