# Early to Mid-term Results of Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction Using the Infinity-Lock Button System in the Management of Traumatic Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocations and Lateral End of Clavicle Fractures

## TL;DR

This study shows that using the Infinity-Lock Button System to reconstruct coracoclavicular ligaments in clavicle injuries leads to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.

## Contribution

The study introduces the Infinity-Lock Button System as a safe and effective method for CCL reconstruction in traumatic clavicle injuries.

## Key findings

- Patients showed statistically significant improvements in VAS, OSS, and Q-DASH scores post-surgery.
- 82.1% of patients returned to their pre-injury activity levels.
- 89.7% reported 'good' or 'excellent' outcomes with no functional instability or need for revision.

## Abstract

Background

The management of distal clavicle injuries with disruption of the coracoclavicular ligaments (CCLs) is challenging. The aim of this study was to assess the functional results of reconstructing the CCLs with the Infinity-Lock Button System using validated outcome measures, patient satisfaction scores, return to pre-injury activity, and complications.

Methods

A total of 28 cases of CCL disruption were assessed over a seven-year period, which included 14 lateral end-of-clavicle fractures and 14 acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocations. All patients underwent stabilisation of the CCLs using the Infinity-Lock Button System. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using validated outcome measures such as visual analogue scale (VAS), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder & Hand (Q-DASH) scores, return to pre-injury level of activities, patient satisfaction scores, and complications were reviewed.

Results

The mean age of patients was 36.7 years (18-74 years). The mean follow-up was 38.6 months (8-68 months). The mean time to surgery was 75.8 days (3-619 days). There was a statistically significant improvement in postoperative VAS, OSS, and Q-DASH scores compared to the preoperative (p-value <0.001). Out of the 28 participants, 23 (82.1%) returned to pre-injury level of activities, 25 (89.7%) reported ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ outcomes following the intervention, and none of the patients reported functional instability postoperatively. None of the patients required revision surgery or implant removal.

Conclusion

CCL reconstruction is vital in the management of clavicular injuries. This study demonstrates the safe use of the Infinity-Lock Button System in these injuries with statistically significant improvement in early patient-reported outcome measures, return to pre-injury level of activities, and subjective patient satisfaction.