Associated Intraarticular Lesions encountered during Arthroscopic Assisted Stabilization of Rockwood Type IV and V Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries

Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injuries are relatively common, encompassing 3.2 % of all shoulder girdle injuries. High grade (Type IV-VI) dislocation of the ACJ requires tear of both the coracoclavicular ligaments and acromioclavicular ligaments plus ACJ capsule and deltotrapezial fascia simultaneously. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for high grade ACJ disruptions. High grade injuries are stabilized surgically via an open approach, arthroscopically, or a combination of both. The incidence of associated intraarticular lesions encountered during arthroscopic assisted ACJ stabilization has been reported to range from 43 % to 53 % in recent literature. In our study, more than half (65.9 %) of our patients had an associated intraarticular injury. Of these, 74 % required additional debridement or reconstructive surgery. We highly recommend the use of arthroscopic assisted ACJ stabilization to accurately diagnose and treat associated intraarticular lesions.