Managing acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation during COVID 19 pandemic by minimally invasive technique with suture anchor and miniplate: A pilot study.

Background: Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is common in sportsmen and physically active population. Its management depends upon the grade of injury and functional demands of the patient. A variety of surgical procedures have been described with different limitations and advantages. The present study has assessed the clinical and radiological outcome of acute AC joint dislocation managed with a 3.5 mm Titanium suture anchor and 2 mm miniplate construct which requires lesser dissection, surgical time and thus contact with the patient as mandated by COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: We enrolled 10 patients of Rockwood type-III, IV and V acute AC joint injury (<3 weeks old) reporting at this hospital from Feb 2020 to May 2021. All were tested for COVID-19 using reverse transcriptase polymer chain reaction test (RTPCR) and managed by closed/open reduction and fixation with a 3.5 mm Titanium Suture Anchor and a 2 mm Titanium miniplate construct. Follow-up was done at 3, 6 and 9 month post-operatively.

Results: The average age of patients was 31 yrs. RTPCR test for COVID-19 was negative in all patients. Median surgical time was 25 min (Interquartile Range[IQR] = 16-34 min) and median follow-up duration was 36 weeks (IQR = 33-39 weeks). Median visual analogue scale score and IQR at pre-operative, 3 month, 6 month and 9 month follow-up was 7(IQR = 6-8), 3.5(IQR = 2.5-4.5), 2(IQR = 0) and 1(IQR = 0), respectively. Median constant score at pre-operative, 3 month, 6 month and 9 month follow-up were 34(IQR = 25-43), 65.5(IQR = 60.5-70.5), 82.5(IQR = 77.5-87.5) and 88(IQR = 81-95). There was significant improvement in clinical status (non parametric-Friedman test p < 0.001). Radiographs showed no loss of reduction, fracture or implant failure till last follow-up.

Conclusions: Minimally invasive technique with a 3.5 mm Ti-suture anchor and 2 mm plate is an easy, fast and reliable construct for the management of acute AC dislocation in physically active population.