Name of the Procedure:

Open Treatment of Acromioclavicular Dislocation, Acute or Chronic

Summary

This surgical procedure involves the correction of a dislocation of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, which is located at the top of the shoulder where the collarbone meets the highest point of the shoulder blade. The procedure can address both new (acute) and long-standing (chronic) dislocations.

Purpose

The procedure aims to restore normal alignment, stability, and function to the AC joint. It is intended to alleviate pain, improve shoulder movement, and enable the patient to return to daily activities and sports more comfortably.

Indications

• Severe pain and inability to move the shoulder
• Noticeable deformity of the shoulder area
• Failure of conservative treatments like physical therapy and medication
• Chronic instability or recurrent dislocations affecting daily life or activities

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for a certain period before surgery
• Adjustments to medications, particularly blood thinners
• Preoperative imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI to assess the extent of dislocation
• General health assessment to determine fitness for surgery

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: The patient is given general anesthesia to ensure they are asleep and pain-free during the procedure.
2. Incision: A surgical incision is made over the AC joint.
3. Realignment: The dislocated joint is exposed and realigned properly.
4. Fixation: Surgical hardware such as pins, plates, or screws may be used to stabilize the joint.
5. Closure: The incision is closed with stitches, and the area is bandaged.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the dislocation.

Setting

This procedure is generally performed in a hospital or a specialized surgical center.

Personnel

• Orthopedic Surgeon
• Surgical Nurses
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical Technicians

Risks and Complications

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Nerve damage
• Hardware irritation or failure
• Persistent pain or stiffness
• Re-dislocation

Benefits

• Relief from pain and discomfort
• Improved shoulder stability and function
• Enhanced ability to perform daily activities and sports
• Reduced risk of future dislocations

Recovery

• Immobilization of the shoulder with a sling for a few weeks
• Gradual physical therapy to restore motion and strength
• Full recovery can take several months
• Follow-up appointments for monitoring and possibly hardware removal

Alternatives

• Non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and activity modifications
• Minimally invasive procedures, depending on the specific case
• Pros: Non-surgical methods may have lower immediate risks and shorter recovery times.
• Cons: May be less effective for severe dislocations and could result in ongoing instability or pain.

Patient Experience

Patients might feel sore and tired after the surgery. Pain management will include prescribed medications, and the recovery period involves gradual changes from immobilization to active rehabilitation exercises under medical supervision to ensure proper healing and function restoration.