The value of weighted views of the acromioclavicular joint - Results of a survey

One hundred twelve practicing members of the American Shoulder and Elbow Su rgeons in the United States and Canada were surveyed regarding use of weigh ted views of the acromioclavicular joint. They were also asked about treatm ent for hypothetical patients seen in the emergency department or office wi th grade II or III acromioclavicular separations. One hundred five physicia ns (94%) responded to the survey. Eighty-five members (81%) did not recomme nd obtaining weighted views in the emergency department. Sixty members (57% ) did not use weighted views, and the majority commented that weighted view s had no influence on their decision-making regarding treatment. Forty-five members (43%) used weighted views, but most did not use the results of thi s test to determine surgical intervention. Physicians recommending weighted views averaged 21 years of practice, compared with 16 years for those who did not obtain weighted views. Only nine physicians (9%) had changed treatm ent on the basis of weighted views. The patient's arm dominance, work, or a thletic status did not influence most surgeons' decision to perform surgery when weighted views revealed a grade III separation. We found no correlati on between obtaining weighted views and performing surgical reconstruction for patients with grade III acromioclavicular separations.