Arthroscopic Coracoacromial Ligament Transfer Augmented With Suspensory V-Shaped Fixation System for Chronic Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation.

Abstract

Chronic acromioclavicular joint dislocations (ACJDs) develop when there is failure of conservative treatment, failed surgical treatment of acute ACJD, or simply missing the treatment in the acute healing phase. There is wide agreement that mechanical fixation alone in chronic ACJD is not sufficient and biological augmentation is necessary. Various arthroscopic techniques for reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligament have been described, but allografts are expensive, are not available in all centers, carry the risk of disease transmission, and are "dead tissue" with a poor capacity for healing. Autografts are associated with donor-site morbidity and avascular structures. Moreover, these grafts are associated with a high risk of clavicular or coracoid fractures owing to large tunnels. We present an arthroscopic technique to transfer the coracoacromial ligament to the inferior surface of the lateral part of the clavicle in chronic ACJD, augmented with 2 clavicular buttons and a single coracoid button in a V-shaped configuration. The technique has various advantages including better stabilization, anatomic reconstruction, and a minimal risk of fracture of the coracoid and clavicle with small tunnels, using a vascularized graft with arthroscopic control of reduction.