Triple endobuttton technique for the treatment of acute complete acromioclavicular joint dislocations: preliminary results

Numerous procedures have been described for the operative management of acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries. Some of these techniques, including hardware fixation and non-anatomical reconstructions, are associated with serious complications and high failure rates. Recently, AC joint reconstruction techniques have focused on anatomical restoration of the coracoclavicular ligaments to achieve optimal clinical outcomes. We used a triple endobutton technique to separately reconstruct the trapezoid and the coronoid portions of the coracoclavicular ligament. We evaluated the preliminary clinical and radiological results of this technique in patients with acute complete dislocation of the AC joint. All patients achieved a significant improvement in the pain and function of shoulder at a mean follow-up interval of 12 months (range, 8–14 months). Excellent reduction of the AC joint was maintained. The triple endobutton technique may be safe and effective for the treatment of acute complete AC joint dislocations.