Clavicular hook plate for grade-III acromioclavicular dislocation

Abstract

Purpose: To review the outcomes of clavicular hook plate fixation for grade-III acromioclavicular (AC) dislocation in young athletes.

Methods: Medical records of 14 male and 5 female athletes aged 18 to 49 (mean, 29) years who underwent fixation with a 3.5-mm-thick, 15-mm-long clavicular hook plate for acute grade-III AC dislocation were reviewed. The visual analogue score for pain and the Constant shoulder score were assessed.

Results: The mean follow-up was 4.2 years. The mean visual analogue score for pain was 1.8 (range, 1-3). The Constant shoulder score was excellent (≥ 90) in 14 patients and good (83-89) in 5 patients. All patients achieved range of motion equal to that of the contralateral side at week 5. Sports activities were resumed by month 6 at the latest.

Conclusion: The clavicular hook plate for grade- III AC dislocation enables quick return to sports activities and achieves good-to-excellent functional outcome.

Keywords: acromioclavicular joint; athletic injuries; dislocations.