Journal List > J Korean Fract Soc > v.22(4) > 1037713

Kang, Lee, Lee, Kim, and Park: Long Term Follow up Results of the Operative Treatment of the Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation with a Wolter Plate

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the long-term clinical and radiological results of the operative treatment of the acromioclavicular dislocation with a Wolter plate.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed clinical and radiological data of twenty patients (mean age: 37 years) who underwent the operative treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation using a Wolter plate from September, 1999 to December, 2002 with minimum of five years follow-up (average 6 years 7 months). The clinical outcomes of twenty patients were evaluated by UCLA scoring and radiological results of fifteen patients with available radiograph were evaluated by Zanca view and stress view.

Results

The mean UCLA score was mean 33 points (range, 27~35) at final follow up. By clinical evaluation, twelve cases (60%) were excellent, six cases (30%) were good and two cases were poor (10%). By radiological evaluation, eight cases (54%) were excellent (without displacement), five cases (33%) were good (displacement<5 mm) and two cases (13%) were poor (displacement>5 mm). Erosive change in acromioclavicular joint was seen in poor case.

Conclusion

Wolter plate fixation may be a useful modality for treating acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Great care should be taken to make the hook hole at the appropriate position during operation for long-term prognosis.

Figures and Tables

Fig. 1
X-ray shows the coracoclavicular distance (white arrow).
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Fig. 2
(A) Preoperative stress radiograph shows type V acromioclavicular dislocation.
(B) Postoperative 8 years stress radiograph of same patient shows no differences of coracoclavicular interval and degenerative changes of acromioclavicular joint.
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Fig. 3
X-ray of 45 year old male at postoperative 3months shows widening of the hook hole (white arrow).
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Table 1
Average scores of university of california at los angeles end-results
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FF: Forward flexion.

Table 2
Radiologic results of coracoclavicular distance (paired t-test)
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