COMPARING INVESTIGATIONS OF OPERATIVELY T REATED LUXATIONS OF THE ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT WITH AND WITHOUT METAL IMPLANTS

In 36 patients with acromioclavicular fracture type III, IV and V foll owing the Rockwood classification, different surgical procedures witho ut using metal implants were compared. Augmentation of both, the corac oclavicular and acromioclavicular ligaments was done by Vicryl-threads (5 mm) in 26 cases (group I). Solitar augmentation of coracoclavicula r ligaments were done in 6 cases (group II), of acromioclavicular liga ments in 4 cases (group III). Twenty-four patients underwent follow-up regarding clinical, ultrasonic and radiological results after 30 mont h in average. Dislocations of more than 10 mm we found once in group I and II, three times in group III. Using the Taft score, regarding cli nical, ultrasonic and radiological findings, five patients had an exce llent, 15 a good five patients a satisfying result and the remaining p atient had a poor reconstruction of the acromioclavicular joint. Compa ring these results with previous 75 patients who underwent surgical re construction of acromioclavicular joint, using metal implants between 1980 and 1985, the results were nearly equal. Although severe complica tions like migration or fracture of the implant and the necessity for another surgical intervention for explanation were not given in patien ts who were treated without using metal implants. Solitar augmentation of acromioclavicular ligament showed insufficient results, therefore this therapy should not be recommended anymore.