Method and apparatus for internal fixation of an acromioclavicular joint dislocation of the shoulder

Abstract

An apparatus for surgically reducing and internally fixing a shoulder acromioclavicular joint dislocation. The apparatus preferably comprises a button and a washer, the washer being flexibly secured to the coracoid process of the scapula by means of a bone screw, the button and washer being secured together by means of a first suture. A second suture is provided and secured between the button and a needle, such that the needle and associated button, may be advanced through a hole drilled through the clavicle. The button and the washer may then be tightened, reducing the coracoclavicular distance, by means of the first suture connected therebetween, to reduce and hold a desired acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

Description

[0001]This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 11 / 482,038, filed Jul. 7, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,512,376, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 697,125 filed on Jul. 7, 2005, and which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10 / 233,122, filed Aug. 30, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,235,091, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to IE S2002 / 0504, filed Jun. 20, 2002. The entire disclosures of all priority application listed above are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to an apparatus for internal fixation of an acromioclavicular joint dislocation of the shoulder with resultant superior migration of the lateral end of the clavicle with respect to the acromium and the coracoid of the scapula.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Acromioclavicular (“AC”) joint dislocations are characterized by severe upward displacement of the lateral end of the clavicle relative to the acromium...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about using a first suture anchor-suture-second suture anchor technique to treat certain joint dislocations. The method is simple and can be performed using a mini-open approach. The invention also provides an apparatus for this technique that includes a button and a washer for securing the suture anchors. The method involves drilling clavicle and coracoid holes, passing a needle through the clavicle hole, and engaging the button against the clavicle surface before reducing and fixing the distance between the clavicle and coracoid process using a flexible coupling. The technical effect of the invention is a simplified and effective treatment for joint dislocations.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, it has been found not to work as no one can wear them continuously because of skin breakdown and discomfort.

As a result, such treatment regimes rarely have been successful.

The patient must inevitably accept a cosmetic deformity and suffer from pain and fatigue after prolonged physical activity or heavy lifting.

However, this usually entails an extensive open operation.

This has the disadvantage of requiring that all of the coracoid be exposed.

Non-operative treatment options generally provide unacceptable results.

The open reduction treatment, while providing generally good results, has the disadvantage of an in-hospital stay plus the extensive time required for healing and rehabilitation.

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