OBJECTIVETo compare the treatment results between Endobutton plate and clavicular hook plate for the treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocations.

METHODSFrom January 2009 to September 2010, 30 patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocations were treated with two different fixations: Endobutton plate (15 patients, including 12 males and 3 females, with a mean age of 38.5 +/- 8.2 years) and clavicular hook plate (15 patients, including 14 males and 1 female, with the mean age of 33.8 +/- 5.9 years). The mean operative time and blood loss were compared between the two groups. Joint function was assessed by the Karlsson standard.

RESULTSThe mean operative time of the Endobutton group and the hook plate group were (61 +/- 8.6) min and (40 +/- 5.6) min. The average blood loss were (93 +/- 8.4) ml and (100 +/- 12.6) ml. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in the average blood loss and the mean operative time. According to the Karlsson standard, 13 patients got an excellent result, 2 good in the Endobutton group; and 7 patients got an excellent result and 7 good in hook plate group. The therapeutic effect in Endobutton group was better than that of hook plate group.

CONCLUSIONIn the treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation, fixation with Endobutton plate is believed to be better than hook plate fixation. It is an effective method for the repair of acromioclavicular joint dislocations in a short term. But its long term effects still need further follow up.