Surgical reconstruction for chronic painful acromioclavicular joint dislocations.

INTRODUCTION: We reviewed the results of modified Weaver-Dunn procedure in patients with persistent painful shoulder following acromioclavicular joint dislocations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Modified Weaver-Dunn procedure using of mersilene tape was done. There were 15 patients with Rockwood type III injury. The mean age and time interval for surgery was 42 years and 21 months, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 27 months.

RESULTS: There were no complications in the peri-operative period. The average return to full activities was 5 months. The mean constant score was 91 with scores above 90 in 11 patients. Two patients had moderate levels of pain and stiffness, which was better than preoperative status. There were two patients with symptomless noticeable lateral end of clavicle. The overall percentage of unfavourable results was 26%. All patients were satisfied with the results of the surgery.

CONCLUSION: There was no correlation between delay in surgery and outcome. Modified Weaver-Dunn procedure with mersilene tape is a valuable method of treatment in patients with persistent painful acromioclavicular joint dislocations and have low incidence of postoperative complications. However, it should be undertaken after adequate clinical assessment and trial of conservative treatment of painful Type III injuries.