Outcomes of Secondary Arthroscopic Distal Clavicle Resection for Shoulders With Symptomatic Acromioclavicular Joint Arthropathy After Isolated Rotator Cuff Repair With Complete Tendon Healing

BACKGROUND: Recent meta-analyses have advised against distal clavicle resection (DCR) as an adjuvant procedure during rotator cuff repair (RCR), whether performed routinely or in shoulders diagnosed with symptomatic acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) arthropathy. However, the efficacy of DCR as a secondary procedure in patients with persistent pain attributed to symptomatic ACJ arthropathy remains unknown. PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes of secondary DCR in patients with failed nonoperative treatment of symptomatic ACJ arthropathy after isolated RCR with complete tendon healing. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2018, the senior surgeon performed isolated RCR in 1935 patients, of which 23 (1.2%) presented with ACJ pain and discomfort at ≥12 months after the index RCR, despite complete healing of repaired tendons. Those 23 patients underwent secondary DCR, as ACJ arthropathy was confirmed clinically and radiographically. Clinical assessment before DCR included the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) and pain at rest. Clinical assessment at >12 months after DCR included the SSV, pain at rest, Constant-Murley score, range of motion, and satisfaction. Pre- and post-DCR SSV and pain scores were compared. RESULTS: Of the initial cohort, 5 patients did not consent to the use of their data, leaving 18 patients aged 53.3 ± 7.6 years (mean ± SD; range, 39-68 years) for outcome assessment. At a mean follow-up of 7.0 ± 3.1 years after DCR, the SSV significantly improved from 58.7 ± 17.2 to 76.1 ± 20.2 (P < .001), and the pain at rest significantly decreased from 4.7 ± 1.5 to 2.8 ± 1.9 (P < .001). At final follow-up, the Constant-Murley score was 70.2 ± 21.0. Of 18 patients, 15 had none or mild residual pain (0-2; 83%), while 3 had substantial residual pain (5 or 6; 17%). Only 1 of the 3 patients with substantial residual pain had a poor SSV score (20 points) and was against opting for DCR in retrospect. No patient had infections or gross ACJ instability after DCR. CONCLUSION: Secondary DCR for cases of symptomatic ACJ arthropathy after isolated RCR with complete tendon healing reduced pain in 83% of patients, and 94% were satisfied and would undergo secondary DCR again.