A New Coracoclavicular Guider for Minimally Invasive Anatomic Coracoclavicular Reconstruction with Two TightRope Systems in Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation

High-grade injuries of complete acromioclavicular (AC) joint disruption (types IV - VI) are typically treated surgically. Since the coracoclavicular (CC) ligament is most often used for stabilizing the AC joint, most reconstruction techniques to treat dislocation of this joint rely upon CC interval fixation. A TightRope system is usually used to augment the CC ligament to treat acute AC dislocations with arthroscopic assistance. The conventional arthroscopic technique employing one TightRope system is associated with some complications, including anterior subluxation of the clavicle and clavicular bony avulsion as a consequence of rotational movements. As an alternative, two TightRope systems can be used to anatomically reconstruct the CC ligament to avoid these complications. We present a new CC guider with which the surgeon can replicate the native CC ligament complex orientation using two TightRope systems via two minimally invasive incisions without arthroscopic assistance. This procedure relies upon the accommodation and stable placement of the clavicle and coracoid bone tunnels for the two TightRope systems in place of the trapezoid and conoid of the CC ligament. We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes for 16 patients with acute dislocation of the AC joint that had been treated by a single surgeon using a double-button fixation system. An independent reviewer conducted functional testing of these patients, including the use of Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Constant and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Standard radiographs were used for assessing the CC distance for the impacted shoulder relative to that of the unaffected contralateral shoulder The new CC guider leads to an excellent cosmetic result. Our clinical results show that this technique can be easily performed and is similarly invasive to other current arthroscopic techniques.