Arthroscopically assisted reduction of acute acromioclavicular joint separations. Comparison of clinical and radiological results of single versus double TightRope™ technique

Background. The aim of this study was to compare the results of the single (STR) versus double TightRope (TM) (DTR) technique for stabilisation of acute separations of the AC joint with the hypothesis that DTR achieves lower CC distance. Patients and methods. A total of 29 consecutive patients treated operatively with the TR technique (mean age 38.1 years, n=26 male) were analysed in a cohort study with a mean follow-up of 13.3 months (12.0-21.7). Acute AC joint separations types III and V according to Rockwood (R) were included; R types I, II, IV and VI were excluded. The prospective scores determined pre-op and 3, 6 and 12 months post-op and X-rays were evaluated. Results. Of the patients 12 suffered an R type III and 17 an R V separation; 14 were treated with STR and 15 with DTR. With STR, 8 R III and 6 R V injuries and with DTR 4 R III and 11 R V injuries were treated arthroscopically. STR achieved an increased CC distance >125% compared to the contralateral AC joint in five cases (36%). Two of them occurred as R V and three as R III injury. DTR achieved a CC distance >125% in two cases of an R V injury (13%). Conclusion. The DTR technique provides lower CC distance compared to the STR technique, without a significant difference of CC distance and scores.