OBJECTIVETo comparatively study complete dislocation of acromioclavicular joint treated with three different methods.

METHODSA total of 96 patients (81 males and 15 females, aged 16-59 years, mean=45 years) with complete dislocation of acromioclavicular joint were treated with Dewar's operation (Group A, n=32), internal fixation with Kirschner tension band wires (Group B, n=44), or internal fixation with Wolter plates (Group C, n=20), respectively, in this study. Eighty-five patients suffered from acute dislocations and eleven from chronic dislocations.

RESULTSThe patients were followed up for 50 months on an average. According to Karlsson's standard, in Group A, 26 patients were assessed as good, 5 as fair and 1 as poor. In Group B, 20 patients were assessed as good, 13 as fair and 11 as poor. In Group C, 15 patients were assessed as good, 4 as fair and 1 as poor. The good and fair rates were significantly different between Group A and Group B, and between Group C and Group B, but no statistical difference was found between Group A and Group C. The operating time was (52.36+/-7.24) minutes, (67.43+/-8.11) minutes and (69.73+/-8.04) minutes in Groups A, B and C, respectively. And the hospitalizing fees were (2400+/-270) yuan, (2100+/-190) yuan and (8450+/-360) yuan in Groups A, B and C, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSDewar's operation is a good and safe method with shorter operating time and lower hospitalizing fee for treating complete dislocation of acromioclavicular joint. The method is simple without the need of a second operation to remove the implants and with few complications.