Treatment of complete acromioclavicular separation by coracoacromial ligament transfer.

There is still discussion concerning the methods for treating Type 3 dislocations of the acromioclavicular joints. Since 1969 the authors have treated 41 patients with Type 3 dislocations by transfer of the coracoacromial ligament, with favorable results. The advantages of the method are as follows: (1) The replaced coracoacromial ligaments substitute for the strong coracoclavicular ligaments, reproducing a construction that closely resembles a physiologically and anatomically normal state. (2) There is no fear of rupture if transplanted tendon or wire is used. A concentrated force will not occur in this system because of dispersion in the tendon, and no injury is produced in the clavicle. (3) The operation can be performed under the same visual field, and the technique is relatively simple.