Acroplate – a modern solution for the treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation

Two main ways to fix the reduction were imposed in surgical treatment of the acromioclavicular joint dislocations: fixation with trans acromioclavicular pin (Phemister method) and fixation with plate and screws type acroplate. The purpose of the present paper work is to compare immediate and later postoperative results between the two types of surgical interventions. During 2005-2007, 37 surgical reductions and fixation of acromioclavicular joint dislocations were performed in the Orthopedic-Traumatology Clinic of SUUB. In 17 cases a fixation with screws and plates type acroplate has been performed and in 20 cases with pins using the Phemister method. Sex ratio: 31 men and 8 women. Patients were aged between 17 and 56 years old. Follow up at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12 and 18 post-operatory months. Osteosintesis material removing was done postoperatively, at 4 weeks in case of acroplate's and at 6 weeks in case of the pins. All patients treated of fixation with plate and screws acroplate type had a favorable evolution/development, starting with the shoulder joint mobilization at 24 hours postoperatively, with a complete recovery 4 weeks after the operation, at the same time with the ablation, and without immediate other late complications. As far as the patients treated by using the Phemister method are concerned, they were applied an immobilization, postoperatively. Desault bandage or the scarf for a period between 1 and 3 weeks, beginning with the shoulder joint mobilization later on and a full recovery after a minimum of 6 weeks. However, 3 of the cases showed a migration of one or both pins. Following the study, a more rapid recovery resulted, complete, and without complications of mobility in the shoulder joint, when using plate type acroplate vs pin.