Acromioclavicular joint acceleration-deceleration injury as a cause of persistent shoulder pain: Outcome after arthroscopic resection

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain in general and acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) pain specifically is common after acceleration-deceleration injury following road traffic accident (RTA). The outcome of surgical treatment in this condition is not described in the literature. The aim of the present study was to report the outcome of arthroscopic resection of the ACJ in these cases MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients with localized ACJ pain, resistant to nonoperative treatment were referred on an average 18 months after the injury. There were 3 male and 6 females. The right shoulder was involved in seven patients and the left in two. The average age was 38.9 years (range 29-46 years). All presented with normal X-rays but with torn acromioclavicular joint disc and effusion on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Arthroscopic ACJ excision arthroplasty was performed in all patients. RESULTS: At a mean followup of 18 month, all patients had marked improvement. The Constant score improved from 36 to 81, the pain score from 3/15 to 10/15 and the patient satisfaction improved from 3.5/10 to 9.3/10. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic ACJ excision arthroplasty, gives good outcomes in patients not responding to conservative management in ACJ acceleration-deceleration injury.