Viscoelastic behavior and structural properties of the coracoclavicular ligaments.

During contact sports such as football, hockey or rugby, the coracoclavicular ligaments are commonly ruptured. Currently, the limited biomechanical data on the properties and function of these ligaments have led to debate on the "gold standard" treatment for these injuries. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the geometry, viscoelastic behavior and structural properties of the coracoclavicular ligaments (n=11).

Effect of arthroscopic procedures on the acromioclavicular joint.

The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of arthroscopic acromioplasty, and combined acromioplasty and distal clavicle resection on joint kinematics and in situ forces in response to an anterior, posterior, and superior load of 70 N. The loading conditions were applied to 10 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders using a robotic and universal force and moment sensor testing system. Translations in response to a posterior load increased by approximately 30% after combined acromioplasty and distal clavicle resection when compared with the intact and acromioplasty conditions.