Surgical treatment of type III acromioclavicular joint dislocations by a modified Bosworth technique

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the results of surgical treatment of type III acromioclavicular joint dislocations by a modified Bosworth technique. METHODS: Thirty-four patients (9 females, 25 males; mean age 35 years; range 20 to 53 years) were treated with a modified Bosworth technique for type III acromioclavicular joint dislocations. Dislocations were caused by falls (n=18), traffic accidents (n=8), and during contact sports (n=8). Involvement was on the right side in 23 patients, and on the left side in 11 patients. The mean time to operation was two days (range 1 to 4 days). Functional evaluations were made with the use of the Constant scores. The mean follow-up was 35 months (range 12 to 57 months). RESULTS: The mean postoperative Constant score was 93 (range 46 to 96). No complications were seen during operation. The results were excellent in 24 patients (70.6%), good in seven patients (20.6%), and poor in three patients (8.8%). None of the patients had to change their jobs or give up any previous sports activities. Radiographically, the distal clavicle appeared normal in 32 patients, atrophied in one patient, and enlarged in another. Functional results were good in 12 patients (35.3%) in whom calcifications were detected in the coracoclavicular ligament. Dislocations recurred in three patients (8.8%). Two patients developed superficial infections. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocations by the modified Bosworth technique is a convenient option with regard to short- and long-term results.

Tip III akromiyoklaviküler eklem çýkýklarýnýn modifiye Bosworth tekniði ile cerrahi tedavisi