Midterm Results of Tension Band Wiring Technique for Acute Rockwood Type III Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of patients with acute type III Rockwood acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation treated surgically by employing tension band wiring. Methods The study included 24 patients with traumatic type III ACJ dislocations according to the Rockwood classification. The clinical and radiological outcomes of patients were assessed at the final follow-up visit. Implant failure and reduction loss were assessed using radiographs, whereas the Constant-Murley scoring system was used to assess the patients clinically. Results The mean follow-up period was 3.5 ± 1.3 years (range: 1-6 years). The mean age of the patients was 41.8 ± 11.7 years (range: 19-64 years) and the mean length of hospital stay was 2.3 days (range: 1-6 days). The fixation material was removed postoperatively at an average of 7.2 ± 9.9 months (range: 3-40 months). At the end of the follow-up period, the mean Constant-Murley score was 72.5 ± 12.8 (range: 50-90). The ACJ reduction was stable in 13 (54.2%) patients. Residual subluxation was detected in 11 (45.8%) patients. Distal clavicular osteolysis was noted in six (25%) patients. Acromioclavicular osteoarthritis was detected in five (20.8%) operated shoulders on follow-up radiographs. During the follow-up, Kirschner-wire migration and breakage occurred in four (16.6%) and seven (29.1%) patients, respectively. Conclusions This study showed that surgical treatment with the tension band wiring method provided functionally satisfactory results even if complications developed because of the presence of implants. Independent of age, we can recommend it as the primary treatment method for patients who do not have very high expectations regarding their shoulder function. Additionally, we think that reducing the duration of implant retention will reduce the incidence of complications.