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A biomechanical assessment of a novel double endobutton technique versus a coracoid cerclage sling for acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular injuries

Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy volume 24, pages 1918–1924 (2016)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose

Recently, many acromioclavicular–coracoclavicular (AC–CC) ligament reconstruction techniques address only the CC ligament. However, many of these techniques are costly, time-consuming, and require the use of allogenic grafts, making them prone to creep and failure or novel devices making them challenging for orthopaedic surgeons. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical characteristics of a double endobutton technique using a standard endobutton CL with those of a coracoid cerclage sling (CS) for reconstruction of the CC ligaments.

Methods

Anterior–posterior (AP) translation and superior–inferior (SI) translation were quantified for eight matched pairs of intact AC joints. One shoulder from each pair underwent a double endobutton repair, using an endobutton CL modified with an additional endobutton (Smith & Nephew, Memphis, Tenn) and placed through holes in the coracoid and clavicle. The contra-lateral shoulder received a coracoid sling reconstruction using an anterior tibialis tendon. Translation testing was repeated after reconstruction, followed by load-to-failure testing. Paired t tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The CS technique demonstrated a greater SI and AP translation than the double endobutton technique (p < 0.05). Additionally, the double endobutton technique had a greater stiffness (40.2 ± 11.0 vs. 20.3 ± 6.4 N/mm, p = 0.005), yield load (168.5 ± 11.0 vs. 86.8 ± 22.9 N, p = 0.002), and ultimate load (504.4 ± 199.7 vs. 213.2 ± 103.4 N, p = 0.026) when compared to the CS technique.

Conclusion

The double endobutton technique yielded less translation about the AC joint and displayed stronger load-to-failure characteristics than the CS reconstruction. As such, this technique may be better suited to restore native AC–CC biomechanics, reduce post-operative pain, and prevent recurrent subluxation and dislocation than an allogenic graft construct. The double endobutton technique may be a suitable option for addressing AC–CC injuries.

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Acknowledgments

The institution of one or more authors has received funding for this study by a grant from VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Merit Review.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Cori Grantham, Nathanael Heckmann & James E. Tibone

  2. Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory, VA Long Beach Healthcare System (09/151), 5901 East 7th. Street, Long Beach, CA, 90822, USA

    Nathanael Heckmann, Lawrence Wang & Thay Q. Lee

  3. University of California, Irvine, CA, USA

    Thay Q. Lee

  4. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY, USA

    Steven Struhl

Authors
  1. Cori Grantham
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  2. Nathanael Heckmann
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  3. Lawrence Wang
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  4. James E. Tibone
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  5. Steven Struhl
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  6. Thay Q. Lee
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Correspondence to Thay Q. Lee.

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Grantham, C., Heckmann, N., Wang, L. et al. A biomechanical assessment of a novel double endobutton technique versus a coracoid cerclage sling for acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular injuries. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 24, 1918–1924 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-014-3198-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-014-3198-8

Keywords

  • Acromioclavicular
  • Coracoclavicular
  • AC joint
  • Biomechanics
  • Translation
  • Stiffness
  • Reconstruction