Stabilisation for the disrupted acromioclavicular joint using a braided polyester prosthetic ligament.

PURPOSE: To report outcomes of 21 men who underwent stabilisation for the disrupted acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) using a braided polyester prosthetic ligament. METHODS: 21 men aged 23 to 76 (mean, 43) years underwent stabilisation for the disrupted ACJ of Rockwood type 3 (n=12), type 4 (n=1), and type 5 (n=8) using a braided polyester prosthetic ligament. RESULTS: The mean time from injury to surgery was 6.8 (range, 0-19) months. The mean follow-up duration was 30 (range, 7-67) months. The mean Constant Score was 86.8 (range, 62-100), and the mean individualised Constant Score was 88.5 (range, 68-100). The mean Oxford Shoulder Score was 43.1 (range, 28-48). The mean abduction power of the operated side was 82% (range, 31%-97%) that of the normal side. 20 patients were satisfied with the procedure. One patient was dissatisfied who developed scapulothoracic bursitis. One patient required arthroscopic subacromial decompression for impingement. One patient sustained a redislocation following a fall at 6 weeks and declined further surgery. CONCLUSION: The braided polyester prosthetic ligament achieved good outcome for patients undergoing stabilisation for the disrupted ACJ.

The Targon FN system for the management of intracapsular neck of femur fractures: minimum 2-year experience and outcome in an independent hospital.

BACKGROUND: The Targon FN implant was developed in 2007 to treat intracapsular neck of femur fractures. Early results from the design centre have shown good results in terms of fracture complications. We wished to see if these results can be reproduced in an independent institution. METHODS: The records of consecutive patients, treated with this implant between 2008 and 2011 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, were identified and collected for this study. Operations were performed by all grades of surgeons under supervision as appropriate. These patients went on to have both clinical and radiological assessment for fracture healing and function. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients were identified with 43 patients available for final follow-up. The average age was 66 years with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. A non-union rate of 0% in the undisplaced fracture group and 1 in 12 (8%) in the displaced fracture group was observed. An avascular necrosis rate of 6% and 8% was observed for undisplaced and displaced fracture types, respectively. No significant change in premorbid to postoperative ambulation was observed and there was no wound complication. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows similar results with those of the design centre and which are superior to those currently found in the literature for the more traditional fixation methods. It also shows that the promising results with this new implant as seen from the design institutions can be reproduced by all cadres of surgeons in non-specialist practice.