Published in:
01-11-2014 | Orthopaedic Surgery
The treatment of type III acromioclavicular dislocations with a modified Cadenat procedure: surgical technique and mid-term results
Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Issue 11/2014
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Introduction
The treatment of type III acromioclavicular injuries is controversial. Both conservative and surgical approaches have been successful. Aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the results of the modified Cadenat procedure in subjects with type III acromioclavicular joint injuries.
Methods
Twenty-eight patients with acute type III acromioclavicular joint dislocations (mean age 31 years) were prospectively enrolled in the present study. The delay between the injury and the surgery varied between 4 and 19 days, with an average of 8.3 days. All patients were evaluated both preoperatively and postoperatively with radiographs and clinically with visual analog scale and Constant score. A modified Cadenat procedure was performed in all cases.
Results
Twenty-five patients were evaluated at an average follow-up of 72 months. One patient had a re-dislocation 3 years after surgery. At the last follow-up, average visual analog scale score of was 0.96 (range 0–3), while mean constant score was 94.32 (range 90–99) and 92 % of patient were very happy or happy with their functional result. Radiographs showed complete reduction in 22 patients and loss of reduction in two cases. No major complications were recorded.
Interpretation
This is the first clinical report on a modified Cadenat procedure. This operation has a reduced morbidity if compared to other techniques involving autologous grafts. Moreover, it yielded good functional results, with complete pain relief, and full strength recovery at mid-term follow-up. No major loss of reduction or recurrence of instability was observed.
Level of evidence
4, Case series.