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Anatomic coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction (ACCR) using free tendon allograft is effective for chronic acromioclavicular joint injuries at mid-term follow-up

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Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients undergoing anatomic coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction (ACCR) using free tendon allografts for the treatment of chronic acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injuries with a minimum 1-year follow-up.

Methods

Patients who underwent ACCR for chronic ACJ injuries between 2003 and 2017 were analyzed. Clinical outcome measures included American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Constant–Murley (CM), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and

Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE) scores. Radiographic loss of reduction during follow-up was evaluated by calculating the difference (mm) in the coracoclavicular distance (CCD) of the involved side immediately postoperatively and at terminal follow-up.

Results

Forty-two patients (mean age: 42.7 ± 12.8 years) were included in the study with an average follow-up of 3.8 ± 3.1 years (range: 1.1–11.5 years). Patients achieved significant improvement in ASES (50.2 ± 20.1 pre to 85.2 ± 16.3 post), CM (60.2 ± 18.5 pre to 88.2 ± 9.1 post), SST (6.1 ± 3.2 pre to 9.5 ± 3.7 post), and SANE (24.0 ± 25.7 pre to 89.0 ± 12.7 post) scores (P < 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in functional improvement when comparing type III and V injuries (n.s.). Mean increase in CCD of the involved side from immediately postoperative to final radiographic follow-up was 4.1 ± 3.9 mm, with no significant correlation to clinical outcomes scores. Complications occurred in 33.3% of cases, with postoperative heterotopic ossification being most frequent (14.3%).

Conclusion

Patients undergoing ACCR using free tendon allografts for chronic ACJ injuries achieved significant improvement in shoulder function at a mean follow-up of 3.8 years. No correlation was observed between the amount of loss of reduction and clinical outcome scores. Free tendon allografts may be a reliable alternative to autografts in the treatment of chronic ACJ dislocations.

Level of evidence

IV

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Funding

ADM receives research support and consulting fees from Arthrex Inc. (Naples, FL). KB is a consultant for Arthrex Inc. (Naples, FL). MPC receives personal fees from the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) for the Arthroscopy Journal. The authors DPB, CU, CK, ABI and LNM have nothing to disclose.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Casa di Cura Villa Betania, Rome, Italy

    Simone Cerciello

  2. Marrelli Hospital, Crotone, Italy

    Simone Cerciello

  3. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA

    Daniel P. Berthold, Colin Uyeki, Cameron Kia, Mark P. Cote, Augustus D. Mazzocca & Lukas N. Muench

  4. Department of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany

    Daniel P. Berthold, Andreas B. Imhoff, Knut Beitzel & Lukas N. Muench

  5. Department of Shoulder Surgery, ATOS Clinic, Cologne, Germany

    Knut Beitzel

  6. Department of Medicine and Health Sciences Vincenzo Tiberio, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy

    Katia Corona

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  1. Simone Cerciello
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  2. Daniel P. Berthold
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  3. Colin Uyeki
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  4. Cameron Kia
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  7. Knut Beitzel
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  9. Augustus D. Mazzocca
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  10. Lukas N. Muench
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Correspondence to Katia Corona.

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Cerciello, S., Berthold, D.P., Uyeki, C. et al. Anatomic coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction (ACCR) using free tendon allograft is effective for chronic acromioclavicular joint injuries at mid-term follow-up. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 29, 2096–2102 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-020-06123-0

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