Acromio-clavicular Dislocation Type III - Conservative Treatment Versus Surgical Hook Plate Treatment

Patients selected for this treatment will wear a light brace for pain release and analgesics will be prescribed. They can move the elbow, the wrist and the fingers immediately. After two weeks, they will begin a training program to restore shoulder motion and strength, and they will be asked to take off the brace progressively. They are allowed to start working and sporting activities when they feel comfortable.

The patient is in a beach-chair position with injured arm slightly out of the table, on a bracket. The incision is longitudinal, from the distal third of the clavicle to the lateral border of the acromion. The deltoid is detached anteriorly to present the clavicle and the AC joint. The width of the hook depends on the depth of the acromion. The plate will always be 5 holes 3.5mm hook plate (Synthes®), left or right. The hook is inserted after visual reduction of the AC joint at the posterior border of the distal end of the clavicle, under the acromion. Reduction is then maintained by a davier and fixation with three 3,5mm cortical screws is achieved. After washing, deltoid is reinserted. CC ligaments are not directly repaired. Wound closure and bracing for two weeks.