Distal Clavicle Excision (Mumford Procedure) Info Evidence Consent
Reviewed by Dr Kieran Hirpara, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon Last reviewed
Why this operation has been suggested
Dr Kieran Hirpara, an upper-limb surgeon at Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, starts with the least invasive options that suit your condition. Patients are generally referred to our clinic by their GP; if a physiotherapist has suggested you see us, you will still need a referral from your GP in order to be eligible for the Medicare rebate. A clinic assessment establishes the diagnosis. For long-standing problems we usually try non-operative care first. We consider surgery when that has not given enough improvement.
Your surgeon may recommend this operation to relieve persistent pain or stiffness in the outer end of your collarbone. This procedure removes a small part of the bone to stop it rubbing against nearby structures. Both open and arthroscopic methods provide significant pain reduction at 1 year. The goal is to improve your shoulder function and comfort.
Before the operation
You must fast for seven hours before your surgery. Stop taking blood-thinning medications only after your surgeon gives you specific instructions. Arrange for a trusted person to drive you home, as you cannot drive yourself after anaesthesia. Bring a complete list of all current medications and supplements to your appointment. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to remove. You may need an X-ray or MRI to check your joint structure, or blood tests and an anaesthetic review to ensure you are safe for surgery. These steps help us plan your care safely and effectively.
On the day
You present to the hospital's surgical admissions unit, where you are checked in and prepared for theatre. You meet the anaesthetist, who explains your care plan. This operation is done under general anaesthetic combined with a regional nerve block. You will be fully asleep for the operation, and the block — an injection that numbs the nerves supplying the arm before you wake up — provides pain relief for the first 12 to 24 hours after surgery. The anaesthetist will meet you before the operation and talk you through both parts.
You are then taken into the operating theatre, where the operation is performed. You wake up in the recovery area, where nurses monitor you while the anaesthetic wears off. Once you are stable you either go to the ward or go home, depending on the procedure and your recovery.
What the operation involves
We perform this procedure using keyhole surgery. This means we make several small cuts around your shoulder, including one at the back. We insert a tiny camera and special tools through these openings. This lets us see inside the joint clearly while keeping the cuts small.
Your surgeon removes the very end of your collarbone (clavicle). We typically remove about 5 millimetres of bone. This amount is enough to stop the bones from rubbing together, which causes your pain. Removing this small piece creates a little space so the bones no longer abut or grind against each other.
We place the camera and tools carefully to avoid injuring nearby nerves and blood vessels. This precise placement is crucial for your safety and the success of the operation. Because we use the keyhole method, you may be able to return to your normal activities faster than with a traditional open cut, while still getting the same long-term relief.
After removing the bone, we close the small cuts with stitches. You will have a dressing over the area. The procedure itself is straightforward and focuses on removing the source of the irritation in your shoulder joint.
After the operation
You will wake up in the recovery ward with your arm in a simple sling for comfort. Most patients stay one night in hospital after this operation, though some are able to go home the same day. We provide pain relief to keep you comfortable. Keep the wound dressing clean and dry. You must have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours. Do not drive while in a sling. Our policy is no driving for at least SIX WEEKS after any shoulder operation, regardless of which arm was operated on. You can drive once your surgeon clears you, typically at the six-week review. See our guide on Driving after upper-limb surgery.
Recovery
Your arm rests in a simple sling for comfort after surgery. You will remove it for your exercises and washing. Your physiotherapist will guide your rehabilitation. This helps you regain movement safely. Swelling and stiffness are normal in the early days. Ice and elevation ease this discomfort.
As the swelling settles, you will start gentle movements. Your surgeon will clear you to drive once you are safe to do so, typically at the six-week review. You must not drive while in a sling. For more details, see Driving after upper-limb surgery.
You will return to daily tasks as pain allows. Light activities come first. Strenuous work and sports follow later. Your timeline may differ; your surgeon and physio will guide you.
What can go wrong
Most patients do well, but problems can occasionally happen. Your surgeon and the team monitor you closely to spot any issue early.
If you have a deep, throbbing pain in your shoulder that does not ease with simple painkillers, or if you feel a new clicking or grinding sensation near the top of your shoulder, this could mean the bone was not removed enough. Sometimes, the remaining bone grows back and rubs against other structures. This is a common reason people need further surgery. If you notice these signs, call our clinic to book a review.
If you experience sudden, severe pain or a visible deformity at the shoulder, it could indicate a fracture. Although rare, the bone near your collarbone or the small bony bump below it (the coracoid) can break after ligament repair. This is a serious complication. If this happens, go to the emergency department immediately.
You might also notice increasing redness, warmth, or swelling around the surgical sites. These can be signs of infection or inflammation. While we take great care to keep the area clean, infections can still occur. If you see redness spreading out from the wound or feel feverish, contact our clinic right away. You may need antibiotics or further treatment to clear it up.
In some cases, people develop a condition called osteolysis, where the bone around the joint breaks down. This can cause a dull ache and stiffness. If you have had ligament reconstruction, we take steps to reduce this risk. However, if you feel persistent discomfort that limits your movement, bring it up at your next check-up. We can check if this is happening and discuss options to manage it.
The complications table on this page lists typical rates if you want the specifics.
When to call us
Call us or go to emergency if you have a fever, increasing wound redness or discharge, or sudden severe pain. Seek urgent help for calf swelling or shortness of breath. Call immediately if you lose sensation or cannot move your limb. These signs need prompt assessment to keep your recovery on track.
Where to read more
This page is about the operation itself. The condition it treats — including what the evidence shows about when surgery helps and when it does not — is covered in more detail on the AC Joint Osteoarthritis page.
Where to read more
This page is about the operation itself. The condition it treats — including what the evidence shows about when surgery helps and when it does not — is covered in more detail on the AC Joint Osteoarthritis page.
Evidence & references
This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.
Overview
- A well-performed distal clavicle excision will likely perform better than a poorly performed one, regardless of whether an open or arthroscopic approach is chosen [1].
- Patients undergoing arthroscopic distal clavicle excision through the direct approach can expect a faster return to activities compared with the open procedure while obtaining similar long-term outcomes [2].
- Arthroscopic distal clavicle resection has provided more 'good or excellent' results than has the open procedure, though this finding is comprised of low-level evidence [3].
- Simple excision of the outer end of the clavicle has yielded satisfactory results with no residual upward displacement disturbing patients [4].
- Patients with displacement greater than 100% of the thickness of the distal clavicle had poorer postoperative clinical outcomes [5].
- Incomplete excision and regrowth of the distal clavicle are the most common causes of revision surgery [6].
- Portal placement remains paramount in facilitating surgery and avoiding injury to adjacent extra-articular structures regardless of the technique chosen for distal clavicle resection [7].
- In appropriately selected patients, open or arthroscopic distal clavicle resection is necessary to relieve symptoms [8].
- Distal clavicle excision with 2.5 mm of bone was successful in many specimens, but a 5 mm resection guaranteed no bone-to-bone abutment [9].
- Arthroscopic and open distal clavicle excisions both provide significant pain reduction at 1 year with no significant difference in outcome measures between groups, except for VAS pain score improvement [10].
- Excision of the outer end of the clavicle is preferred for old dislocations, while open reduction and internal fixation are not recommended due to complications and poor functional results [15].
- Both the direct superior approach and the indirect subacromial approach to the arthroscopic distal clavicle resection result in successful clinical outcome with clinically insignificant difference at final follow-up [16].
Anatomy & Pathophysiology
- A precise, easy to use and low-cost non-invasive method able to draw and analyze the kinematics of the shoulder complex has not been developed yet [25].
- Normative kinematic values of scapulothoracic movements in the shoulder girdle have been provided [26].
- No reconstruction strategy completely restores the shoulder girdle to its preinjured state, although each technique restores different elements of joint kinematics [27].
- The trapezoid and conoid ligaments have unique functions in normal shoulder kinematics because of their anatomic attachments [28].
- Kinematic changes could be a potential source of pain and dysfunction in the shoulder with AC joint dislocation [29].
- Scapular and clavicular kinematics were affected in AC separation models [30].
- A comprehensive clinical approach emphasizing the evaluation of the extent of the anatomic injury and understanding its mechanical consequences regarding shoulder and arm function is key in the development of guidelines for developing operative or non-operative treatment protocols and for establishing outcomes of the treatment protocols [31].
- The inconsistency of AC joint testing parameters and the lack of thorough translation studies indicate a necessity for increased attention in the overall assessment of shoulder stability to close the gap in the foundational biomechanical research [32].
- Anatomically, the pectoralis minor tendon provides sufficient tissue length, excursion, and width [33].
- Biomechanically, the pectoralis minor tendon is as strong as the coracoacromial ligament [33].
- No significant biomechanical differences in displacement or stiffness were seen between the anatomical landmark technique and the coracoid-based landmarks technique for coracoclavicular stabilization [34].
- New surgical techniques continue to evolve as more biomechanical data emerge and kinematic understanding improves [35].
- Emerging concepts and strategies regarding horizontal and rotational instability and scapular biomechanics aim to lay the foundation for future studies aimed at improving treatment outcomes and patient management [36].
- Preliminary findings revealed no detectable differences between surgically reconstructed and uninjured sides in ACJ biomechanics, range of motion, and isometric strength [37].
- Nonoperatively treated shoulders showed increased internal rotation, upward rotation, and posterior tilting [37].
- Type I and II acromioclavicular joint disruptions impair long-term shoulder function in about half of patients 10 years after injury [40].
- At 150 to 200 N of loading, coracoacromial ligament excision and acromioplasty increase the rotator cuff force required to maintain normal glenohumeral biomechanics by 25% to 30% [41].
- Centre of pressure measurement detected sensorimotor functional deficits following surgical treatment of the shoulder joint in patients with confirmed successful clinical and functional outcomes [42].
Classification
- Patients undergoing an arthroscopic procedure specifically through the direct approach can expect a faster return to activities while obtaining similar long-term outcomes compared with the open procedure [2].
- Arthroscopic distal clavicle resection has provided more 'good or excellent' results than has the open procedure, but this finding is comprised of low-level evidence [3].
- Simple excision of the outer end of the clavicle has yielded satisfactory results with no residual upward displacement disturbing the patients [4].
- Incomplete excision and regrowth of the distal clavicle are the most common causes of revision [6].
- Portal placement remains paramount in both facilitating surgery and avoiding injury to adjacent extra-articular structures regardless of the technique chosen for distal clavicle resection [7].
- Horizontal instability of the clavicle is evident with distal clavicle resection of greater than 10 mm [11].
- The new operative procedure combines resection arthroplasty with fixation of the clavicle in an anatomical position [12].
- A records review found that 10 of 894 (1.1%) rotator cuff repairs underwent subsequent distal clavicle resection [23].
- The cross-sectional A-frame morphology of the superior cortex of the distal clavicle provides a reproducible landmark that is eliminated approximately 1.0 cm medial to the distal, lateral end of the clavicle, which can be used intraoperatively to determine when adequate resection has been completed [24].
- Severe chronic symptomatic AC joint separations (Rockwood types III through V) can be repaired entirely by arthroscopy safely and effectively by transferring the coracoacromial ligament with a bone block in the distal clavicle [47].
Clinical Presentation
- Patients having an arthroscopic procedure, specifically through the direct approach, can expect a faster return to activities while obtaining similar long-term outcomes compared with the open procedure [2].
- Arthroscopic distal clavicle resection has provided more 'good or excellent' results than has the open procedure, but is comprised of low-level evidence [3].
- Simple excision of the outer end of the clavicle has yielded satisfactory results in patients with complete dislocation and subluxation of the acromioclavicular joint, with no residual upward displacement disturbing the patients [4].
- Although distal clavicle excision with 2.5 mm of bone was successful in many specimens, a 5 mm resection guaranteed no bone-to-bone abutment [9].
- Late loss of reduction was common, and clavicular resection reliably produced significant improvement in patients with persistent pain or posttraumatic arthritis [13].
- In carefully selected patients with isolated ACJ pathology, arthroscopic distal clavicle excision results in statistically and clinically significant improvements in range of motion and patient-reported outcome measures [14].
- Methods to diagnose both superior and posterior translation of the clavicle need further debate [17].
- Clinical examination and surgical treatment should address anatomic restoration of individual structures to optimize the mechanical capability of the claviscapular segment [18].
- For chronic symptomatic injuries, partial claviculectomy is believed to be the best procedure, offering negligible morbidity and rapid return to function [19].
- Operation should be considered only in thin patients with a prominent clavicle, those doing heavy work, or those whose work requires frequent shoulder abduction and flexion [20].
- Older patients and females were more likely to experience postoperative complications requiring reoperations, including revision ACJR, distal clavicle excision, and irrigation and debridement [21].
- Excellent clinical results were achieved with acromioclavicular joint reconstruction with coracoacromial ligament transfer using the docking technique, decreasing the risk of recurrent distal clavicle instability [46].
Investigations
- Simple excision of the outer end of the clavicle has yielded satisfactory results in this group of patients, with no residual upward displacement disturbing the patients [4].
- A 5-mm distal clavicle resection guaranteed no abutment but decreased joint stiffness [22].
- Weighted stress radiographs significantly increased the measured elevation of the clavicle and the coracoclavicular distance compared to non-weighted views [54].
- There was no significant difference between open or arthroscopic distal clavicle excision (DCE) [55].
- Although radiological assessment showed a statistically significant immediate superior clavicular displacement after hardware removal following ACJ stabilization, with an increased incidence in the first year following stabilization, this may not negatively influence the results of ACJ stabilization in a clinically relevant way [56].
- Fifteen years postoperatively, good clinical results persisted and anatomic reduction was overall maintained, often with asymptomatic ossification of the coracoclavicular ligaments [57].
Treatment
- Patients undergoing arthroscopic distal clavicle excision via the direct approach can expect a faster return to activities compared with the open procedure while obtaining similar long-term outcomes [2].
- Arthroscopic distal clavicle resection has provided more 'good or excellent' results than the open procedure, though this is based on low-level evidence [3].
- Both the direct superior approach and the indirect subacromial approach to arthroscopic distal clavicle resection result in successful clinical outcomes with clinically insignificant difference at final follow-up [16].
- Surgical treatment may offer early benefits in pain relief and coracoclavicular distance improvement but does not enhance long-term functional outcomes and is associated with higher specific complication rates [49].
- The slight increase in the in situ graft force only in the posterosuperior and posterior direction after distal clavicle excision suggests only a marginal protective role of the acromioclavicular articulation [50].
- A bone anchor system for distal fixation in the base of the coracoid process and a medialized hole in the clavicle restored anatomy best [52].
Complications
- A well-performed distal clavicle excision performs better than a poorly performed one, regardless of whether an open or arthroscopic approach is chosen [1].
- Portal placement is paramount in facilitating surgery and avoiding injury to adjacent extra-articular structures [7].
- The incidence of complications in operative acromioclavicular joint separations in an active population was 1.35 per 100 person-years [59].
- Clavicle and coracoid fractures occurred in 1.9 out of 100 cases of operative acromioclavicular joint separations [59].
- Fracture of the distal clavicle or coracoid process after CC ligament repair or reconstruction is a rare but serious complication that can occur independent of bone tunnels created during the index procedure [62].
- Coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction is an effective surgical approach for decreasing the incidence of subacromial osteolysis [60].
- Excellent results can be obtained with coracoacromial ligament transfer using the docking technique, decreasing the risk of recurrent distal clavicle instability [61].
Recovery
- Patients undergoing an arthroscopic procedure, specifically through the direct approach, can expect a faster return to activities compared with the open procedure while obtaining similar long-term outcomes [2].
- Arthroscopic distal clavicle resection has provided more 'good or excellent' results than has the open procedure, though this is comprised of low-level evidence [3].
- Clavicular resection reliably produced significant improvement in patients with persistent pain or posttraumatic arthritis, although late loss of reduction was common [13].
- More than 90% of patients manage to return to driving within 4 weeks and to work within 6 weeks following arthroscopic subacromial decompression and acromio-clavicular joint excision [38].
- Late reconstruction of the ligaments in young patients with complete acromioclavicular separations can yield better results than excision of the lateral clavicle, allowing patients to return to strenuous sports or heavy labor [43].
- The described single-tunnel technique for coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular ligament reconstruction results in satisfactory objective and patient-reported outcomes and return to sports while avoiding coracoid and clavicle fractures [44].
- The anatomic reconstruction complex could withstand early rehabilitation, but the decrease in the structural properties and stiffness of the clavicle should be considered in optimizing the anatomic reconstruction technique [45].
- Satisfactory outcome depends upon restoring the stability of the clavicle as well as the acromioclavicular joint [53].
- The arthroscopic partial distal clavicle beveling procedure for nonincarcerated type IV AC separations resulted in a significant reduction in pain, improved daily function, and early return to sport [58].
Key Evidence
- [L5] A well-performed distal clavicle excision will likely perform better than a poorly performed one, regardless of whether an open or arthroscopic approach is chosen. [1] (10.1016/j.arthro.2018.03.004)
- [L3] Among patients undergoing distal clavicle excision for acromioclavicular joint pathology, those having an arthroscopic procedure, specifically through the direct approach, can expect a faster return to activities while obtaining similar long-term outcomes compared with the open procedure. [2] (10.1016/j.arthro.2009.12.007)
- [L3] Arthroscopic distal clavicle resection has provided more 'good or excellent' results than has the open procedure, but is comprised of low-level evidence. [3] (10.1097/blo.0b013e31802f5450)
- [L3] Patients with displacement greater than 100% of the thickness of the distal clavicle had poorer postoperative clinical outcomes. [5] (10.1186/s12891-025-09190-x)
- [L4] Incomplete excision and regrowth of the distal clavicle are the most common causes of revision. [6] (10.1016/j.arthro.2009.06.010)
- [Case_report] Regardless of the technique chosen for distal clavicle resection, portal placement remains paramount in both facilitating surgery and avoiding injury to adjacent extra-articular structures. [7] (10.1016/j.jse.2010.08.032)
- [L5] In appropriately selected patients, open or arthroscopic distal clavicle resection is necessary to relieve symptoms. [8] (10.5435/00124635-199905000-00004)
- [Abstract] Although distal clavicle excision with 2.5 mm of bone was successful in many specimens, a 5 mm resection guaranteed no bone-to-bone abutment. [9] (10.1016/j.jse.2007.02.105)
- [L1] Arthroscopic and open distal clavicle excisions both provide significant pain reduction at 1 year with no significant difference in outcome measures between groups, except for VAS pain score improvement. [10] (10.1016/j.jse.2006.10.006)
- [L4] Horizontal instability of the clavicle is evident with distal clavicle resection of greater than 10 mm. [11] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2021.05.003)
- [L4] The new operative procedure combines resection arthroplasty with fixation of the clavicle in an anatomical position. [12] (10.2106/00004623-197254060-00005)
- [L3] Late loss of reduction was common, and clavicular resection reliably produced significant improvement in patients with persistent pain or posttraumatic arthritis. [13] (10.2106/00004623-198769070-00013)
- [L4] In carefully selected patients with isolated ACJ pathology, arthroscopic distal clavicle excision results in statistically and clinically significant improvements in range of motion and patient-reported outcome measures. [14] (10.1016/j.jseint.2023.07.014)
- [L4] Excision of the outer end of the clavicle is preferred for old dislocations, while open reduction and internal fixation are not recommended due to complications and poor functional results. [15] (10.2106/00004623-196345080-00024)
- [L2] Both the direct superior approach and the indirect subacromial approach to the arthroscopic distal clavicle resection result in successful clinical outcome with clinically insignificant difference at final follow-up. [16] (10.1177/0363546506294855)
- [L4] Methods to diagnose both superior and posterior translation of the clavicle need further debate. [17] (10.1016/j.jseint.2019.11.006)
- [L5] Clinical examination and surgical treatment should address anatomic restoration of individual structures to optimize the mechanical capability of the claviscapular segment. [18] (10.5435/jaaos-d-24-00360)
- [L1] Operation should be considered only in thin patients with a prominent clavicle, those doing heavy work, or those whose work requires frequent shoulder abduction and flexion. [20] (10.2106/00004623-198668040-00011)
- [L4] Older patients and females were more likely to experience postoperative complications requiring reoperations, including revision ACJR, distal clavicle excision, and irrigation and debridement. [21] (10.1007/s00167-016-4206-y)
- [L5] A 5-mm distal clavicle resection guaranteed no abutment but decreased joint stiffness. [22] (10.1016/j.arthro.2007.07.004)
- [L3] This records review found that 10 of 894 (1.1%) rotator cuff repairs underwent subsequent distal clavicle resection. [23] (10.1177/2325967119844295)
- [L5] The cross-sectional A-frame morphology of the superior cortex of the distal clavicle provides a reproducible landmark that is eliminated approximately 1.0 cm medial to the distal, lateral end of the clavicle, which can be used intraoperatively to determine when adequate resection has been completed. [24] (10.1016/j.jse.2021.10.013)
- [L5] Despite technology innovations, a precise, easy to use and low-cost non-invasive method able to draw and analyze the kinematics of the shoulder complex has not been developed yet. [25] (10.1177/17585732221090226)
- [L5] This study provided normative kinematic values of scapulothoracic movements in the shoulder girdle. [26] (10.1016/j.jseint.2022.09.014)
- [L5] Although each technique was able to restore different elements of the joint kinematics, none of the strategies completely restored the shoulder girdle to its preinjured state. [27] (10.1177/03635465221095231)
- [L5] The trapezoid and conoid ligaments have unique functions in normal shoulder kinematics because of their anatomic attachments. [28] (10.1016/j.arthro.2009.12.031)
- [L5] The kinematic changes could be a potential source of pain and dysfunction in the shoulder with AC joint dislocation. [29] (10.1177/0363546512458571)
- [L5] Scapular and clavicular kinematics were affected in AC separation models. [30] (10.1016/j.jse.2013.01.004)
- [L5] A comprehensive clinical approach emphasizing the evaluation of the extent of the anatomic injury and understanding its mechanical consequences regarding shoulder and arm function is a key in the development of guidelines for developing operative or non-operative treatment protocols and for establishing outcomes of the treatment protocols. [31] (10.1177/17585732221122335)
- [L4] The inconsistency of AC joint testing parameters and the lack of thorough translation studies indicate a necessity for increased attention in the overall assessment of shoulder stability to close the gap in the foundational biomechanical research. [32] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2024.06.009)
- [L5] Anatomically, it provides sufficient tissue length, excursion, and width, and biomechanically, it is as strong as the coracoacromial ligament. [33] (10.1016/j.jse.2006.09.007)
- [L5] No significant biomechanical differences in displacement or stiffness were seen between the anatomical landmark technique and the coracoid-based landmarks technique. [34] (10.1177/23259671221132541)
- [L5] New surgical techniques continue to evolve as more biomechanical data emerge and kinematic understanding improves. [35] (10.5435/jaaos-d-16-00776)
- [L5] By exploring emerging concepts and strategies regarding horizontal and rotational instability and scapular biomechanics, the article aims to lay the foundation for future studies aimed at improving treatment outcomes and patient management. [36] (10.1016/j.jseint.2023.11.018)
- [L4] Preliminary findings revealed no detectable differences between surgically reconstructed and uninjured sides in ACJ biomechanics, range of motion, and isometric strength, while nonoperatively treated shoulders showed increased internal rotation, upward rotation, and posterior tilting. [37] (10.1177/23259671241274707)
- [L3] The results obtained in the present study suggest that more than 90% of the patients manage to return to driving within 4 weeks and to work within 6 weeks following arthroscopic subacromial decompression and acromio-clavicular joint excision. [38] (10.1111/j.1758-5740.2010.00048.x)
- [L4] Type I and II acromioclavicular joint disruptions impair long-term shoulder function in about half of patients 10 years after injury. [40] (10.1177/0363546508319047)
- [L5] At 150 to 200 N of loading, CAL excision and acromioplasty increase the rotator cuff force required to maintain normal glenohumeral biomechanics by 25% to 30%. [41] (10.1016/j.jse.2015.10.022)
- [L3] Centre of pressure measurement detected sensorimotor functional deficits following surgical treatment of the shoulder joint in patients with confirmed successful clinical and functional outcomes. [42] (10.1007/s00167-021-06751-0)
- [L4] Late reconstruction of the ligaments in young patients with complete acromioclavicular separations can yield better results than excision of the lateral clavicle, allowing patients to return to strenuous sports or heavy labor. [43] (10.2106/00004623-197658060-00008)
- [L4] The described technique results in satisfactory objective and patient-reported outcomes and return to sports while avoiding coracoid and clavicle fractures. [44] (10.1016/j.jse.2017.11.032)
- [L5] The low level of permanent elongation after cyclic loading suggests that the anatomic reconstruction complex could withstand early rehabilitation; however, the decrease in the structural properties and stiffness of the clavicle should be considered in optimizing the anatomic reconstruction technique. [45] (10.1177/0363546504264637)
- [L4] Excellent clinical results were achieved, decreasing the risk of recurrent distal clavicle instability. [46] (10.1186/1471-2474-10-6)
- [L4] Severe chronic symptomatic AC joint separations (Rockwood types III through V) can be repaired entirely by arthroscopy safely and effectively by transferring the coracoacromial ligament with a bone block in the distal clavicle. [47] (10.1016/j.arthro.2009.08.008)
- [L1] Surgical treatment may offer early benefits in pain relief and coracoclavicular distance improvement but does not enhance long-term functional outcomes and is associated with higher specific complication rates. [49] (10.1186/s12891-024-08100-x)
- [L5] The slight increase in the in situ graft force only in the posterosuperior and posterior direction after distal clavicle excision suggests only a marginal protective role of the acromioclavicular articulation. [50] (10.1177/0363546510374447)
- [L5] A bone anchor system for distal fixation in the base of the coracoid process and a medialized hole in the clavicle restored anatomy best. [52] (10.1007/s001670050182)
- [L4] Satisfactory outcome depends upon restoring the stability of the clavicle as well as the acromioclavicular joint. [53] (10.1111/j.1758-5740.2010.00102.x)
- [L4] Weighted stress radiographs significantly increased the measured elevation of the clavicle and the coracoclavicular distance compared to non-weighted views. [54] (10.1016/j.jseint.2023.06.011)
- [L4] There was no significant difference between open or arthroscopic distal clavicle excision (DCE). [55] (10.1177/17585732231157090)
- [L4] Although radiological assessment showed a statistically significant immediate superior clavicular displacement after this rarely required procedure, with an increased incidence in the first year following stabilization, this may not negatively influence the results of ACJ stabilization in a clinically relevant way. [56] (10.1007/s00167-022-06978-5)
- [L3] Fifteen years postoperatively, good clinical results persisted and anatomic reduction was overall maintained, often with asymptomatic ossification of the coracoclavicular ligaments. [57] (10.1177/03635465251355958)
- [L4] The arthroscopic partial distal clavicle beveling procedure for nonincarcerated type IV AC separations resulted in a significant reduction in pain, improved daily function, and early return to sport. [58] (10.1016/j.arthro.2016.06.013)
- [L3] This review demonstrated an incidence of 1.35 complications per 100 person-years, with clavicle and coracoid fractures occurring in 1.9 out of 100 cases. [59] (10.1177/2325967121s00330)
- [L1] The current analysis suggests coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction as an effective surgical approach for decreasing the incidence of subacromial osteolysis. [60] (10.1016/j.jse.2024.03.018)
- [Abstract] Excellent results can be obtained with this technique, decreasing the risk of recurrent distal clavicle instability. [61] (10.1016/j.jse.2007.02.104)
- [L4] Fracture of the distal clavicle or coracoid process after CC ligament repair or reconstruction is a rare but serious complication that can occur independent of bone tunnels created during the index procedure. [62] (10.1177/03635465211036713)
References
[1] Editorial Commentary:
The “Mumford” & Sons: For Distal Clavicle Excisions, What Are Our Young Surgeons Doing, and How Well Are They Doing It?. *Arthroscopy*. 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2018.03.004
[2] Open Versus Arthroscopic Distal Clavicle Resection. Arthroscopy. 2010. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2009.12.007
[3] Surgical Treatment of Symptomatic Acromioclavicular Joint Problems. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 2007. DOI: 10.1097/blo.0b013e31802f5450
[4] Complete Dislocation and Subluxation of the Acromioclavicular Joint: End Result in Seventy-three Cases.. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume. 1961.
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