2023 Annual Meeting Knee Access Pass-Acromioclavicular Joints: Fix and Forget It?

Acromioclavicular Joints: Fix and Forget It?

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Jennifer Smith discusses the management of AC joint separations, focusing on patient selection, workup, and surgical techniques. She emphasizes proper imaging, including bilateral AC joint x-rays, MRIs, and cross-body adduction views to classify injuries—especially differentiating stable (Type 3A) from unstable (Type 3B) injuries. Surgery is recommended mainly for Type 5 and unstable Type 3B injuries, with timing flexible as early and delayed surgeries have similar outcomes. Dr. Smith prefers an arthroscopic-assisted AC and CC reconstruction using allograft with tensionable sutures and cortical buttons, while underscoring the high risk of complications and the importance of informed decisions.

Asset Caption

Jennifer Smith, M.D.

Keywords

AC joint separation

patient selection

imaging techniques

surgical reconstruction

complication risks