The comparison of arthroscopic acromioplasty with and without acromioclavicular coplaning.

BACKGROUND: Coplaning means the removal of medial acromial spurs and inferior aspect of the distal clavicle. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of arthroscopic acromioplasty with and without coplaning in patients without acromioclavicular (AC) joint arthritis.

METHODS: Because of impingement syndrome, arthroscopic subacromial decompression and acromioplasty was performed in Group 1 (9 males/31 female). In addition, coplaning was performed in Group 2 (8 males/21 females) by two different surgeons. The mean age was 48 in Group 1, 46 in Group 2. The mean follow-up was 50 months and 44 months, respectively.

RESULTS: Constant score, cross-body adduction test and AC joint tenderness was used for follow-up. The mean preoperative Constant scores were 45 points (range: 34-76 points) in Group 1, 39 points (range: 32-69 points) in Group 2. The mean Constant scores at the latest follow-up was 78 points (range: 68-100 points) for Group 1, 84 points (range: 72-100 points) for Group 2. There was no statistically difference between two groups at the latest follow-up (p<0.05). In two patients in Group 2, cross-body adduction test was positive but asymptomatic.

CONCLUSION: Excision of the inferior side of the lateral clavicle to the level of the acromion with minimal disruption of the joint capsule does not develop AC joint symptoms in long-term follow-up.