Background: Symptomatic total acromio-clavicular joint dislocation (Rockwood et al. types III-VI) may be treated by surgical reconstruction.
Aim: To describe an arthroscopically assisted technique to reconstruct anatomically the coraco-clavicular ligaments in acute or chronic (> 6 weeks) acromio-clavicular joint dislocation.
Methods: This new technique involves arthroscopic exposure of the coracoid process. Prior to introducing this technique, cadaveric studies were undertaken.
Results: Five patients underwent this procedure. All engaged in regular sports or manual-type work. All patients were discharged the same day with the shoulder immobilised for 4 weeks, with no heavy lifting for 3 months. All patients were pain-free at 6 weeks with full function and maximum Constant scores at 3 months. There have been no complications.
Conclusions: A new, safe technique is described which provides a cosmetically acceptable, anatomically solid reconstruction of the coraco-clavicular ligaments.