Has the arthroscopically assisted reduction of acute AC joint separations with the double tight-rope technique advantages over the clavicular hook plate fixation?

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the results after arthroscopically assisted double TightRope(®)-(TR) reduction with results after clavicular hook plate (HP) fixation in acute high-grade acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations.

Methods: Between 2004 and 2010, 69 consecutive patients with acute AC joint separations type Rockwood III and V were subjected to surgical reconstruction. 56 patients (81 %) were available for evaluation.