The long-term efficacy of the GraftRope technique.

Background: Acromioclavicular joint separations continue to be a challenge for surgeons, and modern arthroscopically assisted techniques are becoming increasingly widespread. The aim of this study is to evaluate if the use of a biological support in association with a nonresorbable subcoracoid fixation can improve long-term stability in acromioclavicular joint dislocation surgically treated. We assessed clinical and radiographic results, patients' return to daily activities and the risk of complications.

Acute lateral dislocated clavicular fractures: arthroscopic stabilization with TightRope.

Hypothesis: Type IIA, IIB, and V lateral clavicular fractures (Craig modification of the Neer classification) are characterized by a constant displacement and are associated with a high rate of nonunion. The aim of this study is to verify whether the reduction and arthroscopic stabilization of these clavicular fractures with coracoclavicular cerclage provide stable fixation to allow for bone healing. To date, the treatment of these fractures is still controversial in young active patients in whom functional requirements are to be met.

Acromioclavicular motion after surgical reconstruction.

Purpose: A retrospective long-term study was carried out to determine whether there was any correlation between the clinical motion of the acromioclavicular joint evaluated by a test we set up using 90° of abduction and 0° of external rotation against resistance [90°/0°RTest] and the cross arm test (compared to the healthy side) and full return to everyday activities after surgical repair.

Methods: A clinical and radiographic evaluation was carried out on 51/80 subjects at a 5.4-year mean follow-up, treated for acromioclavicular joint dislocation with an extra-articular artificial loop, between 2000 and 2006.

Suture rupture in acromioclavicular joint dislocations treated with flip buttons.

Acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations (ACDs) may be treated arthroscopically with flip buttons. This extra-articular fixation is easy to implant and is well tolerated. Between 2007 and 2009, 20 ACD patients (2 women and 18 men; mean age, 32 years) had surgery by the arthroscopic TightRope technique (Arthrex, Naples, FL).