Suspensory Fixation Device versus Synthetic Ligaments Devices in Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

cute acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations are common and account for approximately 12% of all shoulder girdle injuries (1). The incidence is estimated to be 1.8 per 10,000 inhabitants per year in urban areas. Over 50% of these injuries are sustained by patients in their second or third decade of life, with men being affected more often than women at a ratio of 8.5 to 1.6. AC separation mainly occurs after sports or road accidents as a result of a direct blow to the lateral shoulder girdle or indirect trauma such as a fall on the adducted outstretched arm (2). The severity of the injury is determined by the force of impact and classified according to Rockwood et al., which distinguishes 6 types of instability that allow decisions to be made on the appropriate treatment (3). There is widespread agreement on the nonoperative treatment of sprains, known as minor dislocations, with surgical interventions reserved for high- grade bidirectional instability (Rockwood type IV-VI dislocations) (3). The optimal treatment of type III injuries, however, remains a topic of heated debate (4).