Coracoclavicular Space Widening on Radiographs After Arthroscopic Stabilization With Suspensory Fixation Does Not Affect Athletic Performance

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of the coracoclavicular distance widening in athletes after arthroscopic acromioclavicular (AC) stabilization using a suspensory button fixation device in terms of function, athletic performance, or isokinetic assessment. METHODS: Sixty-eight athletes with a minimum 6-month follow-up after AC stabilization using suspensory button fixation were allocated in 2 groups, the widening group and non-widening group, according to the measured coracoclavicular distance after 6 months from the operation. The assessment was done every 6 months by Subjective Patient Outcome for Return to Sports (SPORTS) score, Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System (ASOSS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, Constant–Murley score (CMS), and the coracoclavicular distance. Isokinetic testing was performed at 24 months postoperatively to evaluate shoulder abduction and external rotation strength. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of the DASH, ASOSS, SPORTS, and the CMS, in addition to the isokinetic testing (P > .05). A statistically significant improvement in both groups over the follow-up stage was identified in the DASH, ASOSS, SPORTS, and the CMS (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Coracoclavicular distance widening following arthroscopic suspensory button fixation for AC joint dislocation did not affect function, athletic performance, or isokinetic evaluation in athletes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; nonrandomized, comparative trial.