Bozok Tıp Dergisi, cilt.15, sa.4, ss.477-483, 2025 (TRDizin)
Objective: There is no consensus on the optimal surgical treatment for acromioclavicular joint separation (ACJD). This study aimed to compare the functional and radiological outcomes of hook plate (HP) fixation and suture-button (SB) fixation.
Methods: Patients who underwent surgery for Rockwood type III and V ACJD between June 2010 and June 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Group I included patients treated with HP and Group II included patients treated with SB. Postoperative outcomes were assessed using range of motion (ROM), Constant–Murley Score (CMS), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score. Radiological evaluation included coracoclavicular distance (CCD) measurements and Rockwood classification.
Results: Sixty-two patients (47 men, 15 women; mean age, 29.2±16.1 years) were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 52.9±20.5 months. Anatomical reduction was achieved in 87% of cases. Both groups showed significant postoperative improvement in CMS (53.8±6.4 to 89.7±5.4) and ASES scores (40.4±7.4 to 89.0±7.8) (p<0.01). Group II demonstrated superior ROM in abduction (160° vs. 153°) and forward flexion (172° vs. 162°). Postoperative CCD decreased significantly in both groups. Complication rates were comparable, but implant removal was required only in the HP group.
Conclusion: Both fixation methods are effective for acute ACJD. However, SB fixation provides superior functional outcomes, greater shoulder mobility, and avoids the need for secondary implant removal, making it a favorable option, particularly for young and active patients