Abstract
Background: Weaver-Dunn technique is one the prevalent methods for treating acute acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation. Until now, several modifications of this technique have been introduced. Regarding the drawbacks of the previous modifications and the importance of presence of an intact coracoacromial ligament (CAL), we introduced a new modification of Weaver-Dunn technique and investigated the preliminary results.
Materials and methods: There were 15 patients with acute ACJ enrolled in current study. In the modified surgical technique, the medial half of the CAL is dissected from the bone and passed through a hole made in the clavicle bone and tied on itself. Before the operation and at the last visit, CC distance was measured on both sides. At the last visit, Constant score and UCLA score were completed. The pain intensity was measured using visual analogue scale (VAS). The patients were followed for 4.2±2.6 years.
Results: Preoperatively, CC distance of injured side was significantly greater than the other side (19.5±1.6 mm Vs 7.1±0.5 mm; p<0.001). At the last visit, CC distance of the operated side was insignificantly greater than the healthy side (8.2±0.9 mm Vs 7.1±0.5 mm; p=0.318). Constant score averaged 93.3±13.2 and 95.1±10.8 for operated and healthy shoulders, respectively (p=0.118). UCLA averaged 32.6±3.3 and pain intensity was 1.4±0.8.
Conclusion: Treatment of acute ACJ dislocations using the modified technique was associated with favorable outcomes. Utilizing this method, the joint stability and function are preserved.
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