The comparison of Ethibond sutures and semitendinosus autograft in the surgical treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the results of the surgical reconstruction of the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocations using No. 5 Ethibond suture or semitendinosus autograft. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on the medical records of 39 patients (35 males and 4 females; mean age: 32.6±11.8 years), with complete ACJ joint dislocation (Type 3 to 6). Twenty one patients underwent reconstruction using No. 5 Ethibond suture (Group A) and 18 patients using semitendinosus tendon autograft (Group B). The patients’ database records were queried for the information regarding the evaluations during follow-up period (mean: 25.7 months) such as radiographic evaluations, Constant score, VAS score and infection. Results: The mean Constant score was 91±1 and 92±2.1 in Groups A and B, respectively. There was a reduction of ACJ based on Zanca view in 15 patients in Group A and 12 patients in Group B. There was subluxation of ACJ by less than 25% in six patients in Group A and five in Group B, in that, the difference was not significant. Patients expressed acceptable satisfaction and equal pain severity in rest and daily activity in both groups. No deep infection has been observed. Conclusion: Since both surgical techniques led to satisfactory results, reduction of ACJ, excellent functional score and acceptable patient satisfaction, No. 5 Ethibond suture technique could be recommended as the treatment of choice due to the absence of morbidity in removing semitendinosus autograft tendon.