Surgical treatment of complete acromioclavicular dislocations

The indications for surgical management of acute complete acromioclavicular dislocations are controversial. The modified Weaver-Dunn technique provides satisfactory results in 76% of chronic acromioclavicular dislocations and in 96% of acute reconstructions for those patients requiring a power arm in sports or manual labor. Failures of surgical treatment are secondary to early loss of fixation due to inappropriate active use or acromioclavicular arthritis secondary to insufficient distal clavicle resection. The modified Weaver-Dunn technique provides reliable and consistent results in acute cases and is a satisfactory salvage procedure in symptomatic patients with chronic injuries.