How to Perform a Distal Clavicle Resection During Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery: Do Not Forget the Top of the Shoulder

Arthrosis of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint is a well-described source of shoulder pain. When nonoperative treatments fail, AC joint surgical resection arthroplasty, often called a Mumford procedure or distal clavicle excision or resection, may be offered. Most studies comparing open distal clavicle excision and arthroscopic techniques have demonstrated arthroscopic techniques to be less painful and afford an earlier return to activity. Two different arthroscopic AC joint resection surgical techniques, including a superior direct approach and an indirect “trans-bursal” subacromial technique, are described in detail. Regardless of technique, a thorough understanding of arthroscopic anatomy, and adherence to the technical principles presented here can help avoid technical failures such as inadequate, uneven resection or iatrogenic AC joint instability.
Source: Techniques in Shoulder and Elbow Surgery - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Techniques Source Type: research