Acromioclavicular dislocation: Method of treatment

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a relatively new method of treatment for acute acromioclavic-ular dislocations. The method consists of internal fixation of the clavicle to the coracoid process by means of two looped wires around the clavicle and coracoid process, and suture repair of the coracoclavicular ligaments. It is our contention that the basic pathology of an acromioclavicular dislocation is rupture of the conoid and trapezoid lig-aments, and not the rupture of the acromioclavicular lig-aments. It is our belief that primary repair should be concentrated on the coracoclavicular ligaments. Likewise, it is not absolutely necessary to repair the acromioclavicular ligaments or transfix the acromioclavicular joint-during the healing of these ligaments. Although this precise method of treating acromioclavicular joint dislocations has not hith-