Open treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation, acute or chronic
CPT4 code
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
- Anesthesia: The patient is given general anesthesia to ensure they are asleep and pain-free during the procedure.
- Incision: A surgical incision is made over the AC joint.
- Realignment: The dislocated joint is exposed and realigned properly.
- Fixation: Surgical hardware such as pins, plates, or screws may be used to stabilize the joint.
- 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.