Skip to main content
Download PDF

Does coracoclavicular augmentation additional to hook plate fixation provide benefits in acute unstable acromioclavicular dislocation? A meta-analysis

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders volume 23, Article number: 205 (2022) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation is a common shoulder injury. In treating acute unstable ACJ dislocation, a hook plate (HP) is a straightforward and popular option for ensuring proper reduction and rigid fixation while promoting AC and coracoclavicular (CC) ligament healing. Surgeons typically remove the HP to prevent subacromial impingement and acromial osteolysis; however, concerns about redislocation after implant removal remain. Therefore, additional CC augmentation may be helpful in combination with HP fixation. The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the outcomes and complications of HP fixation with or without additional CC augmentation for acute unstable ACJ dislocation.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases for relevant case–control studies. The primary outcomes were patient-reported outcome measures; the secondary outcomes were pain measured using a visual analog scale (VAS), CC distance (CCD), and complications. Continuous data were assessed using weighted standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and dichotomous data were evaluated with Mantel–Haenszel odds ratio (ORs) with 95% CIs.

Results

We analyzed one randomized control trial and four case–control studies comparing HP fixation with or without CC augmentation. A total of 474 patients with Rockwood type III or V ACJ dislocation were included. We found no differences in Constant–Murley score (SMD, − 0.58, 95% CI − 1.41 to 0.26; P = 0.18), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (SMD, 0.21, 95% CI − 0.10 to 0.52; P = 0.19), University of California at Los Angeles shoulder rating scale score (SMD, − 0.02, 95% CI − 1.27 to 1.23; P = 0.97), or VAS pain score (SMD, 0.36, 95% CI − 0.16 to 0.88; P = 0.17) between groups. The CC augmentation group had lower odds of osteolysis (OR, 0.27, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.74; P = 0.01) and a shorter CCD (SMD, − 0.29, 95% CI − 0.57 to − 0.01; P = 0.04).

Conclusion

HP fixation with CC augmentation is preferable for acute unstable ACJ dislocations. Although CC augmentation did not provide additional benefits related to functional outcomes or pain, it resulted in greater reduction maintenance after implant removal and a 73% lower risk of acromial osteolysis.

Trial registration

PROSPERO (CRD42021271118).

Peer Review reports

Background

Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation is a common injury that accounts for 50% of all sports-related shoulder injuries [1, 2]. The coracoclavicular (CC) and AC ligaments are the most important anatomical structures for maintaining the stability of the ACJ. Operative management is often indicated for Rockwood type III–VI ACJ dislocation [3], but operation for type III dislocation remains controversial [4,5,6].

Various treatment options for acute unstable ACJ dislocation, such as CC fixation (using Bosworth screws, suture anchors, hook plates [HPs], or TightRope) [3, 7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14], AC fixation (using tension band wires, Kirschner wires, or sutures) [8, 15], AC or CC reconstruction, and ligament transfer (Weaver–Dunn procedures) [16], have been investigated [17,18,19,20,21,22]. However, the optimal treatment for ACJ dislocation is still debated [3, 8, 23, 24]. The clavicle HP is used in one of the most common techniques to promote CC ligament scaring [25,26,27]. This device has many advantages, including facilitating a more straightforward surgical technique, rigid fixation, and early resumption of normal activities [25,26,27]. Despite these advantages, the HP should typically be removed after 3 to 6 months to prevent complications such as limited early shoulder motion, subacromial impingement, and acromial osteolysis [28,29,30]. Nevertheless, HP fixation is a safe and effective option for treating ACJ dislocation [31].

To lower the incidence of ACJ redislocation and the risk of acromial osteolysis, CC augmentation in conjunction with HP fixation is a reasonable option [27]. The possible benefits of combined HP fixation and CC augmentation include stronger initial fixation and support after removal of the HP. However, this combination’s efficacy remains unclear. The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the outcomes and complications of HP fixation with and without CC augmentation in acute unstable ACJ dislocation. The primary outcomes were patient-reported outcome measures, and the secondary outcomes were a visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, radiographically determined CC distance (CCD), the incidence of acromial osteolysis, and overall complications.

Methods

Search strategy and inclusion criteria

We conducted this study in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines [32]. We searched three electronic databases, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to July 27, 2021, using the following search string: (((acromioclavicular joint) OR (AC joint)) AND ((dislocation) OR (separation))) AND ((hook plate)). We reviewed the bibliographies of the resulting trials and related review articles manually for relevant references. Two independent reviewers (YCL and PCC) screened the titles and abstracts and examined the full texts of the eligible articles in detail. A third reviewer resolved any disagreements by making the final decision.

We enrolled any prospective or retrospective case–control studies that met the following criteria: (1) a target population comprising patients with acute Rockwood type III, IV, or V ACJ displacement treated with HP fixation; (2) a comparative design with two treatment arms, one of HP fixation only and another of HP fixation with CC augmentation (CCHP); and (3) clinical outcomes measured at least 1 year after operation. We excluded (1) review articles and (2) duplicate publications. Fig. 1 visualizes the selection process.

Fig. 1
figure 1

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagram of study search and screening for inclusion

Full size image

Methodological quality assessment

Two reviewers (YCL and YCT) assessed the quality of the studies independently, and the quality was confirmed by a third reviewer. We assessed the methodological quality of studies by using the Jadad scale for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) [33] and Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS) for prospective or retrospective comparative trials [34]. The Jadad scale is a 5-point scale that evaluates the methodologies of RCTs in three domains: randomization (2 points), blinding (2 points), and account of all patients (1 point) [33]. Higher scores indicate superior methodological quality. The NOS contains nine items measuring three domains: participant selection (four items, maximum of 4 points), comparability (one item, maximum of 2 points), and exposure (three items, maximum of 3 points). The maximal score is 9 points, with higher scores indicating superior methodological quality [34]. Cohen’s kappa coefficient was used to measure interrater reliability and to quantify the degree of agreement between the reviewers.

Discrepancies were resolved through discussion under the supervision of the corresponding author. In addition, we attempted to contact the primary authors of the included studies for any missing data.

Data extraction

Two reviewers (CYL and PCC) independently extracted the following data related to the study characteristics and interventions and then verified the data together: study design, sample size, age distribution, sex distribution, follow-up period, types of HP, and suture used for CC fixation. The primary outcomes were the following patient-reported outcome measures: Constant–Murley score (CMS), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score, and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder scale score. The secondary outcomes were the VAS (0–10) score for pain, CCD, and complications (e.g., osteolysis, ACJ osteoarthritis, peri-implant fracture, and infection).

Meta-analysis methodology

The senior author (WCL) used Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3 (Biostat, Englewood, NJ, USA) to pool the effects of interest from our included studies.

For continuous data (primary outcomes, CCD, and VAS score), we estimated the summary of standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For dichotomous data (complications), we estimated the odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI. We used the Mantel–Haenszel (MH) method to estimate the effect size for binary outcomes and the inverse variance method to pool the effect size for continuous results. A negative SMD indicated that CCHP was the more favorable treatment option. ORs of < 1 and > 1 respectively indicated CCHP and HP fixation alone to be the preferable treatment option. We used a Cochran Q test to evaluate heterogeneity. A two-tailed P value < 0.01 was considered statistically significant. We approximated the percentage of variability in the heterogeneity estimation by using I2 [35]. We employed subgroup analyses to determine the sources of heterogeneity. We employed random-effects models to calculate all the relationships. We employed Egger test [36] and funnel plots [37] to assess publication bias.

Results

Literature search and study characteristics

We reviewed the titles and abstracts of 220 unique articles; five articles met the inclusion criteria and were assessed further for eligibility. No studies were excluded on the basis of the eligibility assessment (Fig. 1). Ultimately, we obtained one RCT [38] and four retrospective case–control studies [39,40,41,42] for the eventual meta-analysis.

A total of 474 patients were included, and we broke down the numbers of patients, mean ages, and sex ratios of the comparator groups. All studies reported patient sex and age data. Four studies enrolled patients with Rockwood type III or V ACJ dislocation; one study enrolled type V dislocation only [41]. Two studies enrolled patients who had experienced traumatic injury less than 2 weeks prior to study commencement [39, 41, 42], one enrolled patients who had experienced traumatic injury less than 4 weeks prior to study commencement [40], and one enrolled patients who had experienced traumatic injury less than 6 weeks prior to study commencement [38]. One RCT [38] received Jadad score of 3. Four retrospective case–control studies were evaluated using the NOS; one received a score of 8 [40], and three received scores of 7 [39, 41, 42]. Table 1 presents the details of each study. The degree of agreement between reviewers on the NOS and Jadad scores is reported in Table 2.

Table 1 Details of studies on hook plate fixation with or without coracoclavicular augmentation for acromioclavicular dislocation
Full size table
Table 2 Interrater reliability of Newcastle–Ottawa and Jadad scales between two reviewers
Full size table

Summary of surgical procedures and postoperative management

In the HP fixation groups of all included studies, all ACJs underwent debridement before reduction. In two studies, the AC ligament was repaired before placement of the HP—one with an absorbable suture [38] and the other with tape fixation [39]. The other studies did not mention any repair of the AC ligament [40,41,42]. After the dislocated ACJ was reduced, the HP was inserted posterior to the ACJ and fixed the clavicle with screws. In the CCHP group, the ACJs were prepared and reduced as in the HP treatments. The CC augmentation consisted of either repair or reconstruction of the CC ligament before HP fixation. In one study, the CC ligament was repaired with an absorbable Vicryl No. 1 suture (Ethicon, Cincinnati, OH, USA) [42]. The materials used for CC augmentation differed. In one study, 6-mm nylon was used to reconstruct the CC ligament through bone tunnel on clavicle [41]; the CC ligament was reconstructed with a sterile polyester surgical suture (Mersilene Polyester Fiber Suture, Ethicon, Cincinnati, OH, USA) in two studies [39, 40]; one through two tunnels on clavicle [40] and the other make multiple knots at the anterior to the clavicle [39]. One study, double-tunnel CC ligament reconstruction was performed with an autograft harvested from the lateral half of the short head of the biceps tendon [38]. All HPs were removed after 3 to 6 months of fixation except for those in the HP only group in one study, which were removed after 12.95 months [38].

Patient-reported outcome measures

No significant differences were identified in CMS (N = 427; SMD, − 0.58, 95% CI − 1.41 to 0.26; P = 0.18; Fig. 2a), UCLA score (N = 85; SMD, 0.02, 95% CI − 1.23 to 1.27; P = 0.97; Fig. 2b), or ASES score (N = 167; SMD, − 0.21, 95% CI − 0.52 to 0.10; P = 0.19; Fig. 2c). Heterogeneity was present in the CMS (I2 = 93%) and UCLA score (I2 = 88%) results but not in the ASES score results (I2 = 0%).

Fig. 2
figure 2

Forest plots of the weighted standardized mean differences in (A) Constant–Murley score, (B) University of California at Los Angeles shoulder scale score, and (C) American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score between treatment arms

Full size image

Pain VAS scores

VAS pain scores did not differ significantly (N = 354; SMD, 0.36, 95% CI − 0.16 to 0.88; P = 0.17; Fig. 3). Heterogeneity was present in the VAS results (I2 = 77%).

Fig. 3
figure 3

Forest plots of weighted standardized mean differences in visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain between treatment arms

Full size image

CCD

CCD significantly differed between groups (N = 205; SMD, − 0.29, 95% CI − 0.57 to − 0.01; P = 0.04; Fig. 4), suggesting superior CCD maintenance in the CCHF group. No heterogeneity was present in the CCD results (I2 = 0%).

Fig. 4
figure 4

Forest plots of weighted standardized mean differences in coracoclavicular distance between treatment arms

Full size image

Complications such as acromial Osteolysis

All complications in each included study are listed in Table 3. Among all complications, we found significantly greater odds of acromial osteolysis (N = 474; odds ratio (OR), 0.27, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.74; P = 0.01; Fig. 5) for the HP only group. Heterogeneity was present in the acromial osteolysis results (I2 = 76%). Comparing only the studies with early implant removal (< 6 months) in both the HP only and CCHP groups [39,40,41,42], we still found more acromial osteolysis in the HP only group (N = 420; MH OR, 0.34, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.92; P = 0.03).

Table 3 Details of complications in each study
Full size table
Fig. 5
figure 5

Forest plots of the Mantel–Haenszel odds ratios for acromial osteolysis between treatment arms

Full size image

Subgroup analysis

We subdivided CC augmentation into CC ligament reconstruction [38,39,40,41] and CC ligament repair [42] groups. CCD did not differ between groups (Q = 1.27, df = 1, P = 0.259). Although the incidence of acromial osteolysis differed significantly from that of HP fixation alone (Q = 14.3, df = 1, P < 0.01), no difference was found between the CC reconstruction and repair subgroups (Q = 2.49, df = 3, P = 0.48; Fig. 6).

Fig. 6
figure 6

Forest plots of the Mantel–Haenszel odds ratios for acromial osteolysis between coracoclavicular (CC) reconstruction and CC repair

Full size image

Publication Bias

Because at least three of the studies could run publication bias procedures for an outcome, we could not evaluate publication bias for the UCLA or ASES score The Egger test revealed no significant publication bias for the CMS, VAS, CCD, or acromial osteolysis measures (Table 4); the funnel plots for the CMS, VAS, CCD, and acromial osteolysis measures are symmetric (Fig. 7).

Table 4 Egger test results for each outcome
Full size table
Fig. 7
figure 7

Funnel plots for (A) Constant–Murley score, (B) visual analog scale score, (C) coracoclavicular distance, and (D) incidence of acromial osteolysis measures

Full size image

Discussion

This meta-analysis included five case–control studies enrolling patients with acute Rockwood type III or V ACJ dislocation and comparing HP fixation with and without CC augmentation. The CC augmentation group consisted of patients who had undergone CC ligament repair or CC reconstruction with artificial surgical tape or autograft. We found that CCHP showed no advantage over HP alone in functional outcomes or pain; however, CCHP resulted in superior CCD maintenance and a lower incidence of acromial osteolysis.

Acromial osteolysis is one of the most common complications of HP fixation for ACJ dislocation treatment and is caused by the high pressure between the acromion and hook [43]. Acromial osteolysis may further result in chronic shoulder pain and impaired functional outcomes [18, 30]. In the HP only group, the stability of the ACJ relied mainly on the scar tissue at the base of the CC ligament. However, such scar tissue can rupture easily, resulting in redislocation under an uneven stress distribution. Therefore, concomitant CC augmentation to share the load from the acromion to the coracoid and clavicle is a viable option. A shorter CCD implies superior maintenance of AC reduction after implant removal in CCHP group. However, the CCHP group did not achieve more favorable functional outcomes and lower pain scores. The patient-reported outcome measures were physical function, psychosocial issues, and quality of life [44]. Therefore, superior CCD maintenance does not necessarily lead to superior patient-reported outcomes; this result is consistent with that of a previous study [45].

Heterogeneity was identified in CMSs (I2 = 93%), UCLA scores (I2 = 88%), VAS scores (I2 = 77%), and osteolysis incidence rates (I2 = 76%). This heterogeneity might be attributable to several factors, such as the intervals between injury and surgery, CC augmentation methods, and HP removal time. All the studies included patients with acute unstable ACJ dislocation; however, the rates of injury after trauma varied. The AC and CC ligaments are considered to lose their potential to heal by 3 weeks after trauma [46, 47], and the definition of chronic ACJ dislocation is injury persisting for more than 6 weeks after trauma [48]. The definition of such injuries between 3 to 6 weeks after trauma is uncertain. One of the included studies enrolled patients who had experienced traumatic injury less than 4 weeks prior to study commencement [40], and one enrolled patients who had experienced traumatic injury less than 6 weeks prior to study commencement [38]. The other studies enrolled patients who had experienced traumatic injury less than 2 weeks prior to study commencement [39, 41, 42]. Due to the limited number of included studies, we could not perform subgroup analysis to eliminate the heterogeneity in the interval between injury and surgery.

CC augmentation can be performed through CC ligament repair or reconstruction. Four studies [38,39,40,41] reported on CC ligament reconstruction; the other reported on CC ligament repair [42]. In subgroup analysis, CC ligament reconstruction was associated with a lower incidence of osteolysis than HP alone, but CC ligament repair was not. We found a significant difference between the subgroup of CC ligament reconstruction and CC repair (Q = 14.3, P < 0.01). In addition, we found no differences within the CC reconstruction group, which implied that suture tape and autologous tendon result in a similar acromion load-sharing effect and reduce the odds of osteolysis. However, we found no difference between groups in CCD (Q = 1.27, P = 0.259). Thus, both CC ligament repair and reconstruction for CCHP can result in superior CCD maintenance than HP alone can.

The CCHP group had 73% less acromial osteolysis than the HP only group. In one study [38], the implants in the HP only group were removed after 12.9 months, which is over 6 months longer than the period used by other the HP only groups. The different duration of HP fixation might have confounded the results regarding acromial osteolysis. Therefore, we compared only the studies with similar implant removal times between the two groups [39,40,41,42]. We found that the CCHP group was still 66% less likely to develop acromial osteolysis.

Some limitations in this study were as follows. This meta-analysis comprised only one RCT and four retrospective, nonrandomized case–control studies. We should consider potential selection bias in retrospective studies; however, the characteristics of the included patients were similar between the two groups. In addition, measurement bias existed, especially in those studies in which CC reconstruction was performed with a transosseous tunnel in the clavicle. Due to few included studies and short-term follow-ups, we could not perform subgroup analysis to determine the heterogeneity of each outcome.

Conclusion

On the basis of our analytical results, we favor additional CC augmentation in combination with HP fixation for treating acute and unstable ACJ dislocations. Although no superiority was demonstrated in functional outcomes or pain, additional CC augmentation resulted in superior reduction maintenance after implant removal and a 73% lower risk of acromial osteolysis. We recommend further research target patients prone to acromial osteolysis and monitor their long-term functional and clinical outcomes to validate our findings.

Availability of data and materials

The datasets used/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Abbreviations

ASES:

American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score

CC:

Coracoclavicular

CCD:

Coracoclavicular distance

CCHP:

Coracoclavicular augmentation with hook plate fixation

CI:

Confidence interval

CMS:

Constant–Murley score

HP:

Hook plate

MH:

Mantel-Haenszel

OR:

Odds ratio

SMD:

Standardized mean difference

UCLA:

University of California at Los Angeles shoulder rating scale

References

  1. Willimon SC, Gaskill TR, Millett PJ. Acromioclavicular joint injuries: anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment. Phys Sportsmed. 2011;39(1):116–22. https://doi.org/10.3810/psm.2011.02.1869.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. McKee MD, Rudzki JR, Gamradt S, Matava MJ. Clavicle trauma: from acromioclavicular joint injuries to distal clavicle fractures and midshaft fractures in contact athletes. Instr Course Lect. 2019;68:41–52.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Gowd AK, Liu JN, Cabarcas BC, Cvetanovich GL, Garcia GH, Manderle BJ, et al. Current concepts in the operative management of acromioclavicular dislocations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of operative techniques. Am J Sports Med. 2019;47(11):2745–58. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546518795147.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Beitzel K, Mazzocca AD, Bak K, Itoi E, Kibler WB, Mirzayan R, et al. ISAKOS upper extremity committee consensus statement on the need for diversification of the Rockwood classification for acromioclavicular joint injuries. Arthroscopy. 2014;30(2):271–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2013.11.005.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Modi CS, Beazley J, Zywiel MG, Lawrence TM, Veillette CJ. Controversies relating to the management of acromioclavicular joint dislocations. Bone Joint J. 2013;95-B(12):1595–602. https://doi.org/10.1302/0301-620X.95B12.31802.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Smith TO, Chester R, Pearse EO, Hing CB. Operative versus non-operative management following Rockwood grade III acromioclavicular separation: a meta-analysis of the current evidence base. J Orthop Traumatol. 2011;12(1):19–27. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10195-011-0127-1.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  7. Cetinkaya E, Arikan Y, Beng K, Mutlu H, Yalcinkaya M, Uzumcugil O. Bosworth and modified phemister techniques revisited. A comparison of intraarticular vs extraarticular fixation methods in the treatment of acute Rockwood type III acromioclavicular dislocations. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2017;51(6):455–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aott.2017.09.002.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  8. Liu T, Bao FL, Jiang T, Ji GW, Li JM, Jerosch J. Acromioclavicular joint separation: repair through suture anchors for coracoclavicular ligament and nonabsorbable suture fixation for acromioclavicular joint. Orthop Surg. 2020;12(5):1362–71. https://doi.org/10.1111/os.12771.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  9. Weitzman G. Treatment of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation by a modified Bosworth method. Report on twenty-four cases. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1967;49(6):1167–78.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Tsou PM. Percutaneous cannulated screw coracoclavicular fixation for acute acromioclavicular dislocations. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1989;243:112–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Hessmann M, Gotzen L, Gehling H. Acromioclavicular reconstruction augmented with polydioxanonsulphate bands. Surgical technique and results. Am J Sports Med. 1995;23(5):552–6. https://doi.org/10.1177/036354659502300506.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Morrison DS, Lemos MJ. Acromioclavicular separation. Reconstruction using synthetic loop augmentation. Am J Sports Med. 1995;23(1):105–10. https://doi.org/10.1177/036354659502300118.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Sim E, Schwarz N, Höcker K, Berzlanovich A. Repair of complete acromioclavicular separations using the acromioclavicular-hook plate. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1995;314:134–42.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Breslow MJ, Jazrawi LM, Bernstein AD, Kummer FJ, Rokito AS. Treatment of acromioclavicular joint separation: suture or suture anchors? J Shoulder Elb Surg. 2002;11(3):225–9. https://doi.org/10.1067/mse.2002.123904.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Biz C, Berizzi A, Cappellari A, Crimi A, Tamburin S, Iacobellis C. The treatment of acute rockwood type III acromio-clavicular joint dislocations by two different surgical techniques. Acta Biomed. 2015;86(3):251–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Costic RS, Labriola JE, Rodosky MW, Debski RE. Biomechanical rationale for development of anatomical reconstructions of coracoclavicular ligaments after complete acromioclavicular joint dislocations. Am J Sports Med. 2004;32(8):1929–36.https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546504264637.

  17. Struhl S, Wolfson TS. Continuous loop double Endobutton reconstruction for Acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Am J Sports Med. 2015;43(10):2437–44. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546515596409.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Wang G, Xie R, Mao T, Xing S. Treatment of AC dislocation by reconstructing CC and AC ligaments with allogenic tendons compared with hook plates. J Orthop Surg Res. 2018;13(1):175. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-018-0879-x.

  19. Beitzel K, Obopilwe E, Apostolakos J, Cote MP, Russell RP, Charette R, et al. Rotational and translational stability of different methods for direct acromioclavicular ligament repair in anatomic acromioclavicular joint reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 2014;42(9):2141–8. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546514538947.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Izadpanah K, Jaeger M, Ogon P, Sudkamp NP, Maier D. Arthroscopically assisted reconstruction of acute Acromioclavicular joint dislocations: anatomic AC ligament reconstruction with protective internal bracing-the "AC-RecoBridge" technique. Arthrosc Tech. 2015;4(2):e153–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eats.2015.01.012.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Saier T, Venjakob AJ, Minzlaff P, Fohr P, Lindell F, Imhoff AB, et al., Value of additional acromioclavicular cerclage for horizontal stability in complete acromioclavicular separation: a biomechanical study. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2015; 23(5):1498–505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-014-2895-7.

  22. Weaver JK and Dunn HK, Treatment of acromioclavicular injuries, especially complete acromioclavicular separation. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1972;54(6):1187–94.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Arirachakaran A, Boonard M, Piyapittayanun P, Kanchanatawan W, Chaijenkij K, Prommahachai A, et al. Post-operative outcomes and complications of suspensory loop fixation device versus hook plate in acute unstable acromioclavicular joint dislocation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Traumatol. 2017;18(4):293–304. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10195-017-0451-1.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  24. Saccomanno MF, Sircana G, Cardona V, Vismara V, Scaini A, Salvi AG, et al. Biologic and synthetic ligament reconstructions achieve better functional scores compared to osteosynthesis in the treatment of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2021;29(7):2175–93. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-020-06217-9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. von Heideken J, Bostrom Windhamre H, Une-Larsson V, Ekelund A. Acute surgical treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation type V with a hook plate: superiority to late reconstruction. J Shoulder Elb Surg. 2013;22(1):9–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2012.03.003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Di Francesco A, Zoccali C, Colafarina O, Pizzoferrato R, Flamini S. The use of hook plate in type III and V acromio-clavicular Rockwood dislocations: clinical and radiological midterm results and MRI evaluation in 42 patients. Injury. 2012;43(2):147–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.injury.2011.04.002.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Kumar N, Sharma V. Hook plate fixation for acute acromioclavicular dislocations without coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction: a functional outcome study in military personnel. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr. 2015;10(2):79–85. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11751-015-0228-0.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  28. Eschler A, Gradl G, Gierer P, Mittlmeier T, Beck M. Hook plate fixation for acromioclavicular joint separations restores coracoclavicular distance more accurately than PDS augmentation, however presents with a high rate of acromial osteolysis. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2012;132(1):33–9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-011-1399-x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Yoon JP, Lee BJ, Nam SJ, Chung SW, Jeong WJ, Min WK, et al. Comparison of results between hook plate fixation and ligament reconstruction for acute unstable acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Clin Orthop Surg. 2015;7(1):97–103. https://doi.org/10.4055/cios.2015.7.1.97.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  30. Hoffler CE, Karas SG. Transacromial erosion of a locked subacromial hook plate: case report and review of literature. J Shoulder Elb Surg. 2010;19(3):e12–5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2009.10.019.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Stein T, Müller D, Blank M, Reinig Y, Saier T, Hoffmann R, et al. Stabilization of acute high-grade Acromioclavicular joint separation: a prospective assessment of the Clavicular hook plate versus the double double-button suture procedure. Am J Sports Med. 2018;46(11):2725–34. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546518788355.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, Boutron I, Hoffmann TC, Mulrow CD, et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ. 2021;372:n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  33. Jadad AR, Moore RA, Carroll D, Jenkinson C, Reynolds DJ, Gavaghan DJ, et al. Assessing the quality of reports of randomized clinical trials: is blinding necessary? Control Clin Trials. 1996;17(1):1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/0197-2456(95)00134-4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Stang A. Critical evaluation of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for the assessment of the quality of nonrandomized studies in meta-analyses. Eur J Epidemiol. 2010;25(9):603–5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-010-9491-z.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. JJ, D., H. JPT, and A. DG. Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions 10.10.2. 2nd ed. Chichester (UK): John Wiley & Sons; 2019.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Peters JL, Sutton AJ, Jones DR, Abrams KR, Rushton L. Comparison of two methods to detect publication bias in meta-analysis. JAMA. 2006;295(6):676–80. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.295.6.676.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Sterne JA, Egger M. Funnel plots for detecting bias in meta-analysis: guidelines on choice of axis. J Clin Epidemiol. 2001;54(10):1046–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0895-4356(01)00377-8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Yin J, Yin Z, Gong G, Zhu C, Sun C, Liu X. Comparison of hook plate with versus without double-tunnel coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction for repair of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations: a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. Int J Surg. 2018;54(Pt A):18–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsu.2018.04.017.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Chang HM, Hong CK, Su WR, Wang TH, Chang CW, Tai TW. Comparison of clavicular hook plate with and without coracoclavicular suture fixation for acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2019;53(6):408–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aott.2019.08.002.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  40. Chen YT, Wu KT, Jhan SW, Hsu SL, Liu HC, Wang CJ, et al. Is coracoclavicular reconstruction necessary in hook plate fixation for acute unstable acromioclavicular dislocation? BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2021;22(1):127. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-021-03978-3.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  41. Liu CT, Yang TF. Hook plate with or without coracoclavicular ligament augmentation in the treatment of acute acromioclavicular separation. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2020;21(1):701. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-020-03726-z.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  42. Seo JB, Kim SJ, Ham HJ, Yoo JS. Comparison between hook plate fixation with and without coracoclavicular ligament suture for acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2020;28(1):2309499020905058. https://doi.org/10.1177/2309499020905058.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Arrigoni P, Brady PC, Zottarelli L, Barth J, Narbona P, Huberty D, et al. Associated lesions requiring additional surgical treatment in grade 3 acromioclavicular joint dislocations. Arthroscopy. 2014;30(1):6–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2013.10.006.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Schmidt S, Ferrer M, Gonzalez M, Gonzalez N, Valderas JM, Alonso J, et al. Evaluation of shoulder-specific patient-reported outcome measures: a systematic and standardized comparison of available evidence. J Shoulder Elb Surg. 2014;23(3):434–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2013.09.029.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Shin SJ, Kim NK. Complications after arthroscopic coracoclavicular reconstruction using a single adjustable-loop-length suspensory fixation device in acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Arthroscopy. 2015;31(5):816–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2014.11.013.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Cisneros LN, Reiriz JS. Management of chronic unstable acromioclavicular joint injuries. J Orthop Traumatol. 2017;18(4):305–18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10195-017-0452-0.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  47. Weinstein DM, McCann PD, McIlveen SJ, Flatow EL, Bigliani LU. Surgical treatment of complete acromioclavicular dislocations. Am J Sports Med. 1995;23(3):324–31. https://doi.org/10.1177/036354659502300313.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Flint JH, Wade AM, Giuliani J, Rue JP. Defining the terms acute and chronic in orthopaedic sports injuries: a systematic review. Am J Sports Med. 2014;42(1):235–41. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546513490656.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan (grant ID: MOST 109-2314-B-182A-171) and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (grant ID: NMRPG8K0241).

Author information

Author notes

  1. Chih-Yao Lee and Po-Cheng Chen contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, 807, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

    Chih-Yao Lee, Yun-Che Tsai, Pei-Hsi Chou, Yin-Chih Fu & Wen-Chih Liu

  2. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

    Po-Cheng Chen

  3. Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan

    Po-Cheng Chen

  4. School of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

    Ying-Chun Liu

  5. Ph.D Program in Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

    Pei-Hsi Chou, Yin-Chih Fu & Wen-Chih Liu

  6. Department of Orthopedic surgery, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiug Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

    Yin-Chih Fu

  7. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

    Yin-Chih Fu & Wen-Chih Liu

  8. Hand and Arm center, Department of Orthopedic surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

    Jesse Bernard Jupiter

Authors
  1. Chih-Yao Lee
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Po-Cheng Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ying-Chun Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Yun-Che Tsai
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Pei-Hsi Chou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Yin-Chih Fu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Wen-Chih Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Jesse Bernard Jupiter
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

Each author is expected to have made substantial contributions to the conception. CYL and WCL designed of the work; PHC and YCF did the project coordination; YCL, PCC, YCT and WCL made the data acquisition and analysis; WCL made the data interpretation; CYL and PCC have drafted the work; WCL and JBJ substantively revised it. The author(s) read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Wen-Chih Liu.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated in a credit line to the data.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Lee, CY., Chen, PC., Liu, YC. et al. Does coracoclavicular augmentation additional to hook plate fixation provide benefits in acute unstable acromioclavicular dislocation? A meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 23, 205 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05142-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05142-x

Keywords

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

ISSN: 1471-2474

Contact us