A single-center retrospective observational study of modified anterolateral arthroscopic double-loop plate fixation for acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation
TL;DR
The modified arthroscopic double-loop plate fixation shows short-term efficacy in acute Rockwood III–VI acromioclavicular joint dislocation, with pain relief, functional recovery, and stable radiographic reduction.
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of double-loop plate fixation via the subacromial coracoid approach (modified anterolateral shoulder arthroscopy) for acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation of Rockwood Grade III or higher. A retrospective single-center observational study included 68 patients treated at Weifang People’s Hospital from October 2022 to April 2024. Outcomes included pre- and postoperative pain (Visual Analog Scale), functional recovery (Constant Score), range of motion, and radiographic reduction (coracoclavicular distance [CCD] and acromioclavicular distance [ACD]). Repeated-measures analysis of variance evaluated longitudinal changes; paired t-tests compared CCD and ACD between 2 days and 6 months postoperatively. P < .05 was considered significant. All 68 patients completed ≥ 6-month follow-up. Significant improvements were observed in Visual Analog Scale, Constant Score, and range of motion at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively (all P < .01), with stable CCD and ACD radiographically. The modified arthroscopic double-loop plate fixation shows short-term efficacy in acute Rockwood III–VI acromioclavicular joint dislocation, with pain relief, functional recovery, and stable radiographic reduction. Limitations include retrospective, single-center design, lack of comparator, and short-term follow-up; long-term efficacy requires prospective controlled trials.