Ls. Matthews et al., Arthroscopic versus open distal clavicle resection: A biomechanical analysis on a cadaveric model, ARTHROSCOPY, 15(3), 1999, pp. 237-240
A fresh cadaver shoulder model was used to evaluate the difference in joint
laxity between arthroscopic and open distal clavicle resection procedures.
Twelve shoulders were mounted in a load frame that allowed compressive loa
ding of the distal clavicle into the acromion. Specimens were loaded to 100
N (20 N/sec) while load and deformation data were recorded for three condi
tions: (1) intact, (2) 5-mm closed resection, and (3) 10-mm open resection.
The displacement at the 100-N load and the stiffness of the load/displacem
ent curves were compared for the intact, arthroscopic, and open procedures.
Significant differences (ANOVA, P less than or equal to .05) in displaceme
nt and stiffness were observed between the intact joint and both surgically
resected joints. No significant differences were observed between the two
surgically resected joints. The amount of bone removed arthroscopically was
sufficient to prevent further bony contact in the axially loaded acromiocl
avicular joint.