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All issues Volume 8 (2022) SICOT-J, 8 (2022) 38 Full HTML
Open Access
Issue
SICOT-J
Volume 8, 2022
Article Number 38
Number of page(s) 11
Section Shoulder
DOI https://doi.org/10.1051/sicotj/2022038
Published online 07 September 2022

© The Authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2022

Licence Creative CommonsThis is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Introduction

Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation is responsible for approximately 9% of shoulder girdle injuries [1]. The most commonly used classification by Rockwood is a radiographic description of the injury from type I to VI [2]. Type I and II injuries can be treated non-operatively, whereas types IV–VI usually necessitate surgical intervention due to the severity of the injury [3, 4]. However, controversy exists regarding the optimal treatment for type III injuries [5].

When surgery is required, many techniques exist, including reduction and fixation of the ACJ and reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments (CCLs) [6]. ACJ fixation can be achieved using screws, wires, or the hook plate. Complications of these techniques include a failure to adequately maintain ACJ reduction, fractures of the coracoid process, or osteolysis of the lateral end of the clavicle. Hook plate fixation also carries the morbidity of requiring an additional procedure to remove the metalwork [7]. The modified Weaver-Dunn procedure was historically the most commonly used method for reconstruction of the CCL [8] and involves the transfer of the coracoacromial ligament together with a small piece of bone from the acromion to the lateral end of the clavicle.

The congruency of the ACJ strongly depends on both static and dynamic stabilizers [9]. Static stabilizers include the joint capsule and the AC ligaments that reinforce it as well as the CCLs. As the importance of the ligaments in maintaining ACJ stability has become better understood, techniques have been developed to restore or reconstruct the CCLs [10–13]. These include the use of biologic tendon autograft and allograft as well as synthetic materials and single or double bundle techniques [14–16]. Early results of these techniques have been promising, with good clinical outcomes. This literature review aims to present the results of the most recent surgical techniques in managing acute ACJ dislocations. The comparison of open versus arthroscopic techniques, hook plate fixation versus ligament reconstruction, the comparison of different CC ligament reconstruction techniques, different graft options available (synthetic, biological, autograft, allograft), and the comparison of combined techniques we aimed to guide surgeons regarding the optimal treatment option.

Materials and methods

Literature Search

Two independent reviewers (GS and JS) on PubMed, Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library performed a search of the literature to identify relevant publications. The key search terms used were (“acromioclavicular” OR “coracoclavicular”) AND (“reconstruction” OR “repair”); these operators were adapted according to the database. The literature search was conducted using an advanced search with combinations of these keywords. Each reviewer assessed the studies and applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria during study selection.

Criteria of inclusion

English language studies that provided data on outcomes of acute unstable ACJ dislocations managed operatively with the reconstructive methods mentioned were included. A study was included if it referred to the comparison between techniques of any of the reconstructive methods in question. Letters, comments, case series with no comparative techniques, case reports, cadaveric studies, biomechanical studies, systematic reviews, and studies involving non-human subjects were excluded. Non-English articles with English abstracts with sufficient detail on methodology and outcomes were included. There was no exclusion based on operative conditions, outcomes of surgery, or length of follow-up.

Study selection

A total of 2028 records were initially identified (after the removal of duplicates) through the database search. One thousand four hundred nine articles were excluded per the above criteria. After a full-text review of the remaining 24 studies, 7 further studies were excluded, as these related to the biological responses to synthetic materials used for reconstruction, not the clinical outcomes, or assessed the management of chronic cases. Reasons for exclusion are summarized in Figure 1. The remaining 17 studies were included in the literature review, and data from these studies are included in Table 1.

thumbnail Figure 1

Summary of exclusion criteria.

Table 1

Studies included.

Data extraction

Data collected included the duration of the study, the type of study, number of patients, age, the surgical procedure involved, the patient reported outcome scores, and radiological outcomes. The patient-reported outcomes measures included patient satisfaction, visual analog scale (VAS), Nottingham shoulder score, Constant-Murley score, UCLA and Oxford shoulder scores. Radiographic data included the change in the coracoclavicular distance on pre-operative, post-operative, and final follow-up plain radiographs.

Results

Study characteristics and clinical outcomes

Of the included studies, six-level II studies, five-level III studies, and six-level IV studies. This assessment was based on recommendations laid out in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery [17]. The surgical treatment used, patient demographics, clinical and radiological outcomes, complication rates, and methodology of each study are summarized in Table 1. The summary of the different available surgical techniques included in the above study is provided in Table 2.

Table 2

Summary of the different surgical techniques used.

Choice of surgical procedure

Open versus arthroscopic surgery

Five studies were identified comparing the results of open and arthroscopic techniques, indicating that arthroscopic techniques have not proved any significant benefit to open techniques. The studies by Natera-Cisneros et al. [18] and Vrgoč et al. [12] compared the results of arthroscopic CC fixation with the hook plate and K-wires plus FiberTape (Arthrex Inc, Naples, Florida), respectively. In the former, the authors showed that patients who underwent the arthroscopic procedure experienced a higher global satisfaction rate and lower post-operative VAS score over the two-year follow-up period. In the latter, the authors did not find a statistically significant difference in outcomes between the open and arthroscopic procedures.

Li et al. compared the arthroscopic CC reconstruction with the modified Weaver-Dunn procedure and also found no statistically significant difference in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Shoulder Score and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Score but did note that the loss of reduction of the CC distance was significantly lower after arthroscopic intervention [19].

Faggiani et al. compared the mini-open ACJ repair using the Minimal Invasive ACJ Reconstruction System (MINAR, Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) and the arthroscopic Dog Bone (Arthrex Inc, Naples, Florida) and also found no difference in clinical outcome scores [20].

A study by Stein et al. compared hook plate fixation with the arthroscopic double endobutton (Arthrex Inc, Naples, Florida) technique, they found improved post-operative Constant-Murley scores (95.3 vs. 90.2) after arthroscopic treatment. They also showed equivalent radiologic outcomes in terms of loss of CC reduction in the two techniques [21].

Acromioclavicular joint fixation with hook plate versus ligament reconstruction

Three studies in this review compared the results between the two different surgical approaches in question, with the hook plate fixation providing similar post-operative outcome scores to the ligament reconstruction techniques but with the necessity of a second operation for metalwork removal.

Fixation aims to restore the CC distance to allow healing of the injured ligaments. Several techniques focus on rigid and non-rigid fixation between the coracoid and the clavicle. Rigid fixation techniques include using K-wires or screws between the coracoid and clavicle and subsequent removal of the metalwork post-operatively. Non-rigid techniques have the advantage that they allow some movement and rotation of the clavicle while maintaining ACJ stability. Such techniques include the LockDown (Lockdown Medical, Minnesota, USA), formerly known as Surgilig, the modified Weaver-Dunn procedure, endobutton techniques, suture anchors, and the use of tendon allograft to reconstruct the CC (and sometimes also AC) ligaments.

Yoon et al. compared the results of hook plate fixation and synthetic CCL reconstruction and found no statistically significant difference in Constant-Murley or VAS scores of the patients in either group [22]. However, they did show that patients treated with a hook plate had a significantly larger reduction in the post-operative CC distance. Wang et al. also found no significant difference in the post-operative outcome scores of patients who underwent either a CC or AC tendon allograft reconstruction and patients who underwent hook plate fixation (mean Constant-Murley score 94.4 and 93.8, respectively) [23]. Similar post-operative outcome scores are also shown by Metzlaff et al., with no significant differences in the Constant-Murley and Taft scores between patients undergoing MINAR or hook plate at the 32-month follow-up [24].

Comparison between CCL reconstruction techniques

Anatomic versus non-anatomic CCL reconstruction

Anatomical coracoclavicular reconstruction may lead to a better functional and radiological outcome than non-anatomical reconstruction. Anatomic restoration of the CCLs can be performed using synthetic ligaments, suture anchors, autograft, and allogenic tendon graft. There is controversy with regard to what can be considered anatomic reconstruction. Wellmann et al. defined two points of fixation on both the clavicle and coracoid as anatomic [25]. However, multiple fixation points and drill holes may increase the risk of coracoid and clavicle fractures (4–11%) [26].

A study by Chernchujit et al. compared the outcomes of arthroscopic anatomic and non-anatomic techniques of CC reconstruction and found significantly higher Specific AC (SAC) and Nottingham shoulder scores in those treated with anatomic procedures [27]. Furthermore, in over half of the patients in the non-anatomic arm, lost CC reduction was noted, suggesting that the anatomic technique provides a better reduction.

Synthetic versus biological graft

Soft tissue reaction following synthetic graft use remains a well-described complication. Various synthetic materials have been used, including polytetrafluoroethylene (GoreTex), polyethylene terephthalate (LARS), Dacron, and the Surgilig (now known as LockDown). They may provide primary stability and induce healing through encouraging colonization by fibroblasts and are used more commonly in chronic ACJ reconstruction. Despite good outcomes, these synthetic ligaments can cause significant foreign body reactions, and caution should be exercised in their use [28].

Weaver-Dunn versus synthetic or biological grafts

With the advent of new synthetic and biological grafts, the Weaver-Dunn and modified Weaver-Dunn procedures are losing their role in managing ACJ stability.

The CA ligament has 25% strength as compared to CCLs. Biomechanically, the vector of transferred CA ligament does not represent the vector of native CCLs [29]. One-third of cases have persistent instability [30, 31]. The sacrifice of the CA ligament also leads to loss of static restraint against anterosuperior humeral head migration in cases with rotator cuff failure [14, 32, 33].

Three studies in this review compared the use of biological and synthetic grafts versus the Weaver-Dunn procedure. Kumar et al. compared the results of the modified Weaver-Dunn procedure and the Surgilig (LockDown Medical, Minnesota, USA) technique and found that patients treated with Surgilig benefited from higher post-operative Oxford shoulder scores than the Weaver-Dunn group [34].

Similarly, Li et al. compared the results of the Weaver-Dunn procedure with the arthroscopic CC reconstruction using synthetic ligament. The authors underline that patients of the former group experienced a significantly higher rate of loss of reduction, questioning the contribution of the synthetic ligament in the restoration of vertical stability [19].

Kocaoglu et al. compared CC reconstruction using autograft through the GraftRope system (Arthrex Inc, Naples, Florida) with the modified Weaver-Dunn procedure using the TightRope system (Arthrex inc, Naples, Florida) [35]. They found that the group treated with the autograft had superior ASES and Constant-Murley scores. However, loss of reduction occurred in both groups in the 45-month follow-up assessment and was significantly higher in the modified Weaver-Dunn group.

Autograft versus allograft

The use of autograft or allograft for the anatomic reconstruction of the CC and AC ligaments in acute ACJ dislocation has gained popularity recently, with no clear evidence for one over the other. In this review, one study compared allograft and autograft reconstruction. Yin F et al. [36] tried to identify if the additional use of autograft or allograft to the hook plate fixation led to superior outcomes. No statistically significant difference was noted either in the clinical outcome scores or in the radiographic appearance.

Comparing combined techniques

Several studies captured in this review have described combined techniques, with the model of restoring vertical and horizontal plane stability gaining popularity. Barth et al. compared two arthroscopic endobutton techniques and found that adding horizontal plane ACJ stabilization led to superior radiographic and clinical outcomes.

Yin J et al. demonstrated that additional CC reconstruction in patients with hook plate fixation (in their study using the conjoint tendon) led to higher CMS and ASES scores and lower VAS scores in their 20-month follow-up period. They also showed that in all the patients treated with a hook plate, an increase in the CC distance was noted after the removal of metalwork [37].

The contribution of the CC reconstruction was also demonstrated in the study by Chang et al., who compared the results of the hook plate with the hook plate plus tape augmentation of the CCLs. Similarly, the CC reconstruction patients had higher UCLA and ASES shoulder scores post-operatively and experienced less pain [38].

Tang et al. compared the results of the double Endobutton technique and a suture anchor technique, with no significant difference in outcomes between the two [39].

Complications

Complications such as superficial wound infection, skin irritation, and implant failure were noted in many studies with no obvious trends in any particular technique. Subacromial osteolysis is a complication associated with the use of the hook plate [37, 38], whereas coracoid fracture remains a complication of CC ligament reconstruction techniques [40]. In addition, Chang et al. found that patients treated with a hook plate alone had a higher occurrence of subacromial osteolysis than those who underwent a combined technique of hook plate with CCL reconstruction [38]. Yoon et al. reported acromial erosion occurring in 9 out of 24 patients treated with hook plates [22]. All authors underline the necessity for the metalwork to be removed in patients treated with hook plates, and this in itself carries the additional morbidity of a second procedure.

Implant failure has been mentioned by several authors in patients undergoing a reconstructive procedure [18, 34, 41]. Natera-Cisneros et al. noted one case (out of 20) of implant failure after an arthroscopic CC fixation [18]. Barth et al. reported early loosening in 3 cases out of 105 treated with a double Endobutton technique [41]. These cases subsequently required further surgical stabilization. Overall, cases of implant failure were low, and in none of the studies reviewed was, the incidence particularly high.

Another recognized complication of CC reconstruction techniques is a coracoid fracture. Hou et al. [40] noted one case of coracoid fracture out of 11 patients undergoing semitendinosus tendon allograft with a single tunnel, while another case of coracoid fracture (in a series of 116 cases) was noted by Barth et al. [41] during double Endobutton arthroscopic technique. Heterotopic ossification is also noted by several authors, with Metzlaff et al. describing this phenomenon in 19 out of 44 patients [24] and Tang et al. finding this in 6 out of 56 [39].

Discussion

This literature review provided an update on the surgical management of ACJ injuries, considering the evidence published since the last major literature review [15]. The recent comparative studies on arthroscopic versus open surgery have not proved any significant benefit to using the arthroscopic intervention. True rigid fixation techniques of CC stabilization techniques, such as the lag screw described by Bosworth [42], seem to have fallen out of favor, and the use of hook plate, while achieving a satisfactory reduction of the CC distance, carries the necessity of a second operation for metalwork removal. Non-anatomical CC ligament reconstruction techniques are becoming less popular, with modern anatomical CC reconstruction techniques focusing on both vertical and horizontal plane stability gaining popularity in the recent literature.

Limitations

In the last major literature review, Modi et al. [15] commented that the recently published literature on the topic had been lacking in high-quality trials. Newer techniques have evolved over the last 8–10 years, but unfortunately, this trend has continued, with case series being the bulk of the new publications regarding ACJ injuries. There has continued to be a lack of homogeneity of the populations within each study with differing degrees of injury, the timing of intervention, and many different surgical techniques. Furthermore, numerous different outcomes scores and differing opinions on the use of radiological follow-up limit the external validity of each study. All these factors, together, make a drawing of meaningful conclusions on the optimal management difficult.

Open versus arthroscopic surgery

Despite the increasing number of comparative studies, there is no clear evidence that arthroscopic intervention leads to superior results.

In the one study that compared arthroscopic CC reconstruction with hook plate, there was a slightly higher global satisfaction and improved VAS in the arthroscopic group [18]. The proponents of the arthroscopic technique argue about the 50% incidence of concomitant intra-articular glenohumeral pathologies associated with type III and V injuries, which could be diagnosed and treated simultaneously [14, 15]. Arthroscopic stabilization through ligament reconstruction also appears to produce good outcomes for posteriorly displaced distal clavicle fractures and acute dislocation, suggesting that arthroscopic intervention may have a role in treating concomitant injuries leading to ACJ instability.

Rigid ACJ fixation (hook plate, K-wires) versus ligament reconstruction

One study in our reviewed series used a K-wire between the coracoid and clavicle in addition to a FibreTape. While rigid fixation methods provide more strength, the loss of motion increases the chances of loosening and breakage [18]. Furthermore, an additional procedure to remove metalwork is required. The principle of non-rigid methods allows some movement between the coracoid and clavicle while maintaining ACJ stability. As the biomechanics of the ACJ have become better understood, the importance of the vertical relationship between the coracoid and clavicle has been appreciated [41].

Fixation with a hook plate has been shown to reduce the post-operative CC distance better, however, it has also been shown that after removal of metalwork, the CC distance does increase again [37]. The hook plate does seem to produce good clinical outcomes, but there is some evidence that non-rigid ligament reconstruction techniques may give superior outcomes, as well as having the additional benefit of not requiring a further procedure to remove metalwork and avoid complications such as acromial erosion, subacromial osteolysis, and plate impingement [3].

Comparison between CCL reconstruction techniques

Non-anatomical coracoclavicular reconstruction with the modified Weaver-Dunn is decreasingly popular. There is good outcome data reported in the case series, however, evidence suggests that anatomic reconstruction may result in superior functional outcomes [15]. This is likely due to the provision of both vertical and horizontal plane stability [41]. Indeed, there have been many recent publications comparing different methods of anatomic reconstruction, including the use of synthetic grafts, tendon autografts, and allografts. In one study comparing autograft and allograft, there was no difference in clinical or radiological outcomes [37]. Several studies have been published and described in the results section that compares different anatomic CCL reconstruction techniques – endobuttons, synthetic grafts, auto, and allograft. These are the most popular at present, based on recent literature. However, meaningful conclusions as to which of these are better are very difficult due to the heterogeneity between the studies and the lack of high-quality evidence. Recent evidence suggests that radiographic evaluation of the ACJ may not be reproducible, making comparing results between these studies difficult [16]. Patient factors such as gender-based differences in tunnel position and surgical factors such as time to surgery may contribute to the heterogeneity between studies of similar interventions [15, 16, 36, 43]. Furthermore, the complication profile presented in the results does not indicate a higher rate of failure of fixation in any particular technique.

In conclusion, despite the emerging literature on the reconstruction of the ACJ after injury, and evidence that several treatment options result in good outcomes, we cannot recommend the optimal treatment modality. This is due to the wide variety of options available, the heterogeneity between the studies on treatment options and methods to evaluate outcomes, and the lack of high-quality randomized studies in the literature.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that no conflict of interest exists. The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Funding

This research did not receive any specific funding.

Ethical approval

Ethical approval was not required for the above study.

Informed consent

This article does not contain any studies involving human subjects.

Author contributions

J. Singh, W. Khan: Conceptualization, Methodology; G. Saraglis, A. Prinja, K. To, W. Khan, J. Singh: Writing Original Draft; G. Saraglis, A. Prinja, J. Singh: Investigation; W. Khan, J. Singh: Supervision; G. Saraglis, A. Prinja, K. To, W. Khan, J. Singh: Writing, Reviewing and Editing.

Acknowledgments

We thank all the orthopaedic surgeons and researchers who, throughout all these years, have introduced several different surgical techniques in the management of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations.

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Cite this article as: Saraglis G, Prinja A, To K, Khan W & Singh J (2022) Surgical treatments for acute unstable acromioclavicular joint dislocations. SICOT-J 8, 38.

All Tables

Table 1

Studies included.

In the text
Table 2

Summary of the different surgical techniques used.

In the text

All Figures

thumbnail Figure 1

Summary of exclusion criteria.
In the text

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