A Radiological and Clinical Evaluation of Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction Using Dog Bone Double Endobutton Technique

Abstract

We report the clinical and radiological outcomes of acromioclavicular (AC) joint reconstructive surgery using Arthrex Dog Bone Button FibertapeConstruct. 33 Patients were identified between April 2013 and April 2015 who had undergone AC joint repair using the Dog Bone double Endobutton for Rockwood Grade III-V injuries. Radiological follow up was made by measuring coracoclavicular distance (CCD). Patients were clinically evaluated using DASH (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand) and ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons) scores. Radiologically there was a mean CCD reduction of 7.1 mm (n=26) and mean post-operative CCD of 13.1 (Normal range 11-13 mm) Clinically, the mean post-operative ASES was 89.4 (n=22) (Best score 100). A mean reduction of 50.5 was reported from pre to post-operative DASH scores, with a mean post-operative score of 12.5 (n=18) (Best score 0). One dislocation (due to a fall in the post-operative period) and one infection were reported. Arthroscopic stabilisation of AC joint using Arthrex Dog Bone Fibertape construct is minimally invasive and shows good anatomic restoration of the joint. Early clinical results are promising but more numbers and longer term follow up are needed.