The Surgical Treatment in Type III Acromioclavicular Dislocation Patients Over 45 Years - Primary Clavicular Lateral End Resection Method vs. Conventional Acromioclavicular Joint Reduction Method -

Purpose: To compare and analyze the outcome of primary clavicular lateral end resection method and conventional acromioclavicular (AC) joint reduction method in type III AC dislocation patients over 45 years. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on selected 24 cases of type III AC dislocation patients, over 45 years of age, operated at our hospital from 1998 to 2002. Group I consist of 12 patients who underwent primary clavicular lateral end resection methods (average age: 54.3 years). Group II consist of 7 patients using Bosworth methods and 5 patients using Phemister methods (average age: 54.4 years). Clinical outcome was evaluated by Weaver and Dunn method. Radiological results were compared by measuring coracoclavicular distance between normal and injured side. Results: As clinical outcome, good was 10 cases(83%); fair 2(17%) in Group I, and good 6(50%); fair 3(25%); poor 3(25%) in Group II. In contrast, the difference of coracoclavicular distance was not statistically significant between two groups before or after surgery, and last follow up. At the last follow up, there was no special correlation between the difference of coracoclavicular distance and clinical outcome. Conclusion: We considered that primary clavicular lateral end resection may be effective for prevention of arthrosis in AC joint in type III AC dislocation patients over 45 years.