Functional Outcomes in Patients with Acromioclavicular Dislocation Treated with Coracoclavicular Stabilization and Acromioclavicular Cerclage

Keywords: Acromioclavicular dislocation, functional scores, coracoclavicular stabilization, acromioclavicular cerclage

Abstract

Introduction: The treatment of acromioclavicular dislocations using a coracoclavicular stabilization system with high-strength sutures achieves reduction of the dislocation and maintains acromioclavicular joint stability. However, some modifications incorporate additional surgical techniques, such as acromioclavicular cerclage, to provide stabilization in different planes. Objective: To evaluate functional outcomes, functional scores, and complications in patients with acromioclavicular dislocations treated with coracoclavicular stabilization and acromioclavicular cerclage. Materials and Methods: Forty-two patients with traumatic type IIIb, IV, or V acromioclavicular dislocations of less than 2 weeks’ duration were prospectively evaluated. Patients with associated fractures or glenohumeral instability were excluded. The Visual Analog Scale and the Constant-Murley score were used. Results: The mean age was 31.26 ± 10.7 years, and most patients were female (54.8%). After surgery, 71.4% of patients went from experiencing severe pain (7-10 points) to no pain (0 points). The Constant-Murley score improved from 1.17 ± 0.37 before treatment to 3.88 ± 0.32 after treatment, reflecting an improvement in the patients’ clinical condition. Conclusions: Coracoclavicular stabilization with acromioclavicular cerclage is a valid treatment option that provides good functional outcomes and improved scores in patients with acute type IIIb, IV, or V acromioclavicular dislocations.

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Author Biographies

Fernando Manuel Lossada Finol, Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Service, Hospital Coromoto de Maracaibo, Venezuela
Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Service, Hospital Coromoto de Maracaibo, Venezuela
Julio Carruyo Avila, Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Service, Hospital Coromoto de Maracaibo, Venezuela
Specialist in Orthopedics and Traumatology. Assistant Head of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology at Hospital General del Sur “Dr. Pedro Iturbe.” Specialist in Research Methodology from Rafael Urdaneta University. Fellowship in the Advanced Training Program in Arthroscopy, Joint Replacement, and Reconstructive Surgery of the Shoulder and Elbow at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Zulia, Venezuela. Scientific and Humanities Coordinator of the Student Research Network of the University of Zulia (Redieluz), Office of the Academic Vice-Rector of LUZ.                    

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Published
2026-08-29
How to Cite
Lossada Finol, F. M., & Carruyo Avila, J. (2026). Functional Outcomes in Patients with Acromioclavicular Dislocation Treated with Coracoclavicular Stabilization and Acromioclavicular Cerclage. Revista De La Asociación Argentina De Ortopedia Y Traumatología, 91(4), 299-305. https://doi.org/10.15417/issn.1852-7434.2026.91.4.1968
Section
Clinical Research