European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

To evaluate the functional outcome of acute acromioclavicular joint injuries of Rockwood types III to VI.
Background: Young adults who are active or athletic are more likely to get acromioclavicular joint injuries. There is disagreement over the best way to treat acromioclavicular separations. In the acute environment, types I and II injuries are typically treated non-operatively, while types III to VI injuries typically require surgical repair. In this study, we attempt to assess the results of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations treated with Mersilene tape in terms of healing time, functional outcomes, and comorbidities.
Materials and methods: 30 individuals with Rockwood Grade III-V (mean age, 35.4 years; range, 21-59 years) were the participants of the study. From August 2020 to July 2022, mersilene tape was used to reconstruct the coracoclavicular ligament in cases with acromioclavicular joint injuries with a period of fewer than two weeks. All patients underwent coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction with Mersilene tape and AC joint capsule and ligament repair with vicryl. Anteroposterior radiographs and the Constant Murley Score were used to evaluate the clinical results during follow-up visits.
Results: In the operated shoulder, the mean Constant Score was 84.4 at 6 weeks, 86.2 at 3 months, 88.2 at 6 months, and 90.2 at the 1-year follow-up. All patients had recovered to their pre-injury level of activity at the last follow-up.
Conclusions: Mersilene tape has brought better functional outcomes and pain-free shoulder movements in our series. Due to the cost-effectiveness of the implants utilised in comparison to imported hook plates or Tight rope/Endobutton, this surgical treatment is highly economical and avoid implant-related issues and additional procedure to remove the implants without the requirement for a second hospital stay or additional out-of-pocket expenses. The surgical process took only a short time. In our Case series, intraoperative and postoperative complications are scarce, minimal learning curve. Mersilene tape provides the acromioclavicular joint with both vertical and horizontal support. Mersilene tape has produced excellent benefits in this short-term follow-up.