OBJECTIVETo investigate clinical effects of coracohumeral ligament reconstruction with autologous double-strand of long palmaris longus tendon and artificial ligament for the treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

METHODSFrom April 2006 to June 2009, 31 patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocation were treated with coracohumeral ligament reconstruction using autologous double-strand palmaris longus tendon and artificial ligament. There were 18 males and 13 females, ranging in age from 18 to 60 years, with an average of 35 years. Twenty-six patients were acute trauma and other 5 patients were chronic trauma. Preoperative symptoms included different degrees of pain, restricted movement, and instability of acromioclaviecular joint. The X-ray showed acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

RESULTSThe patients had good incision union without vascular and nerve injuries. All the patients were followed up, and the average duration was 23 months. The JOA scores decreased from preoperative (38.8 +/- 1.5) to (73.2 +/- 1.1) at 1 month after operation,and (93.5 +/- 0.8)at the last follow-up. Twenty-eight patients got an excellent result, 2 good and 1 fair.

CONCLUSIONThe reconstruction of coracohumeral ligament using autologous double-strand palmaris longus tendon and artificial ligament is an effective method for the treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation.