Arthroscopic treatment of type III acromioclavicular joint dislocation: a retrospective case series

Background: Acromioclavicular joint dislocation (ACJD) is a common shoulder injury that can be classified into six types using the Rockwood classification. Surgical management of type III ACJD remains controversial. Methods: The authors performed a retrospective review of 36 patients who underwent surgical management of their type III ACJD using an arthroscopic technique with an EndoButton (Smith & Nephew, Watford, UK). Patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years and assessed by University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Score and radiographs. The average follow-up period was 3.8 yr (2 to 6 yr); all patients were between 20 and 65 yr old. Results: There was no recurrence of dislocation or subluxation. All patients reached a normal range of motion by the final follow-up. No significant pain was reported after the surgery. UCLA score improved to an average of 31.73±3.05 at final follow-up. Conclusions: The surgical management of type III ACJD with arthroscopic EndoButton fixation leads to satisfactory patient outcomes with a low complication rate. Level of Evidence: Level IV.