Complications for Post-Surgical Repair for Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries

Background: A variety of problems might arise following surgery for ACJ instability depending on the type of fixation employed and also the phase of reconstruction and the surgical procedure involved. The surgery rate varies from a maximum of 80% to a of a minimum of 12.5 % depending upon the surgery employed for the treatment. Scapular dyskinesis is observed in a considerable proportion of individuals with chronic type III injuries. Radiographic failure and residual horizontal instability are two more often mentioned complications. Based on anterior-posterior radiographs, the radiographic failure rates based on vertical displacement range widely, from 0 to 47%.

Conclusion: A variety of problems arise following surgical procedures performed for the AC joint injury. As a result of the Scapular dyskinesis, biomechanics of the shoulder is significantly impacted by this scapular dislocation. It throws off the scapulohumeral complex, making it difficult for the scapular stabilizing muscles to keep the glenohumeral and acromiohumeral joints positioned correctly. Overlooking the problems faced post surgery, the success rate ranges from 83% to 90% thereby favouring clinical outcomes and the tendency to return to pre-injury level.