Acromioclavicular joint injury

Abstract

Acromioclavicular joint injury is common among young active individuals. Stability of this complex structure composes of muscles (deltoid and trapezius), ligaments (acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular) and joint capsule. Clinical and radiographic examinations are crucial for the diagnosis of this injury. Non operative treatment is indicated for type I and II injury. Surgical treatment is, however, indicated for type IV, V and VI injury. Treatment for type III injury is still controversy. Methods of treatment fall into 3 categories, namely: fixation of the acromioclavicular joint, fixation of the coracoclavicular joint and ligament reconstruction. The trend of treatment goes to minimal invasive anatomic acromioclavicular joint reconstruction.