Coracoid process transfer for acromioclavicular dislocations: a report of 20 cases

Twenty patients with acromioclavicular dislocations treated by transfer of the coracoid process to the clavicle were reviewed and were compared to a previous study. Surgery was performed for acute dislocations in seven cases and for chronic dislocations in 13 cases. At the follow-up examination (5.6 +/- 3.5 years for acute and 4.0 +/- 3.6 years for chronic dislocations), all patients had some relief of their symptoms. Nine patients had residual aching in the joint, and this was associated with an older age at injury (40 years as opposed to 25 years for chronic dislocations). Complications included superficial wound infections in two patients, transient stiffness of the shoulder in two patients, loss of range of movement in one patient, and subjective weakness in one patient. In general, satisfactory results were achieved in younger patients, but as the results of conservative treatment of these injuries are comparable, the operation is indicated only in patients with symptomatic chronic acromioclavicular dislocations.