Outcomes of percutaneous K-wire fixation for AC joint separation type III.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of the Percutaneous K-wire for Acromio-clavicular joint separation type III.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent AC joint separation type III by the interested technique during 1993-2009 at department of orthopaedic, Police General Hospital, was done. Only patients with sufficient data recorded were included in the analysis. These patients were placed in the lateral decubital position under general anesthesia. Percutaneous K-wire fixation started after the dislocated AC-joint had been closely reduced under image-intensifier control. Two K-wires (2.0 mm) were inserted into the prominent part of acromial process or scapular spine into the distal clavicle. Post-operative sling was subsequently used to limit the heavy duty.

RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were included in the analysis, with the mean follow-up duration of 19 weeks (4-135). Painless at full range of shoulder motion was obtained in twenty patients There was only one patient had limitation of abduction (150 degrees abduction). The mean Neer's shoulder score was 94.25 points (50-100). Only 3 cases had unsatisfied outcomes results during the study period.

CONCLUSION: The percutaneous K-wire fixation for the AC-joint Separation was found to be efficacious and safe at an economical cost.