AC Joint Injuries
🔧 Minimally Invasive — Arthrex techniques, such as the Knotless AC TightRope, allow for minimally invasive procedures, reducing recovery time and surgical trauma.
🦴 Strong Fixation — The use of devices like the Dog Bone Button and PEEK Tenodesis Screws provides strong mechanical fixation, crucial for both acute and chronic AC joint separations.
🔄 Versatile Techniques — Arthrex offers a range of techniques suitable for different types of AC joint injuries, including both open and arthroscopic procedures.
🩹 Reduced Pain — Arthroscopic techniques are associated with less postoperative pain and improved cosmetic outcomes compared to traditional methods.
📈 High Success Rates — Clinical outcomes with Arthrex techniques show high success rates, with low failure rates and high return-to-sport rates.
Arthrex Techniques Overview
🔍 AC TightRope — This technique is used for minimally invasive reconstruction of acute AC joint separations, either open or arthroscopic.
🔗 Twin Tail TightRope — Designed for open, acute AC injuries, it features two independent clavicle button tails for enhanced stabilization.
🦴 Chronic AC Joint Reconstruction — Utilizes a tendon graft with mechanical fixation to anatomically reconstruct chronic separations.
🔩 Dog Bone Button — A titanium button that allows for the use of multiple FiberTapes, providing a strong construct for AC joint reduction.
🛠️ AC Joint Master Set — Contains all necessary instrumentation for both acute and chronic AC joint repair techniques.
Comparison with Other Methods
⚖️ Biomechanical Superiority — Anatomic reconstruction techniques like those from Arthrex are biomechanically superior to nonanatomic methods.
🔄 Arthroscopic vs. Open — Arthroscopic techniques are less invasive and result in less postoperative pain compared to open procedures.
📊 Meta-Analysis Findings — Studies show similar outcomes between arthroscopic tape reconstruction and hook and plate techniques, but with less pain for the former.
🔍 Hardware Considerations — Arthrex's recessed clavicular implant design reduces hardware-related discomfort compared to traditional methods.
🩺 Risk of Complications — While effective, arthroscopic techniques can have risks such as potential clavicular fractures due to drilling.
The benefit of this technique is minimally invasive surgery, improved ability to arthroscopically diagnose concomitant pathology, and improved integrity of fixation with less prominent hardware.
Clinical Outcomes and Studies
📈 High Return-to-Sport Rates — Arthrex techniques have shown high return-to-sport rates, making them favorable for athletes.
🔬 Low Failure Rates — Clinical outcomes indicate low failure rates, contributing to the reliability of these techniques.
🩺 Improved Cosmesis — Arthroscopic methods result in better cosmetic outcomes, which is a significant consideration for many patients.
📊 Study Comparisons — Studies comparing different techniques often highlight the reduced pain and improved function with Arthrex methods.
🔍 Ongoing Research — Continuous research and development in Arthrex techniques aim to further improve outcomes and reduce complications.