[Nonoperative treatment of acute, grade III acromioclavicular dislocation in judo competing athletes].

Complete acromioclavicular separation is frequent injury during practice of judo. Fourteen athletes aged 17-33 (mean 23) were treated non-operatively. All patients received cryotherapy and Velpeau bandage for two weeks, intensive rehabilitation of the shoulder followed. The patients were reviewed after mean 4.5 years (range 3-7 years). A 100-point scale designed specifically for this study, inclusive of pain, function, strength, range of motion and return to preinjury level of sports activity was used for clinical assessment. Follow-up radiographs were compared to those taken immediately after injury but no correlation with clinical results has been found. Eight results were rated excellent (90-100 points), 5 results good (80-89 points) and one result was fair (70-79 points). Short period of immobilization and early rehabilitation seems to be efficient management in highly active individuals.