Twenty-five shoulders with recurrent instability and associated anterior glenoid rim lesions were reviewed to 1) develop a classification system of the lesions, 2) evaluate radiographic techniques in detecting the lesions, and 3) analyze the outcome of surgery. Lesions were classified into three types: Type I, a displaced avulsion fracture with attached capsule; Type II, a medially displaced fragment malunited to the glenoid rim; and Type III, erosion of the glenoid rim with less than 25% (Type IIIA) or greater than 25% (Type IIIB) deficiency. Lesions were detected by plain radiographs (19 shoulders) or supplemental CT-arthrograms (12 shoulders) or both. In 16 Type I fractures, both the bony fragment and capsule were reattached to the glenoid rim. In five Type II and three Type IIIA lesions, only the capsule was repaired to the remaining glenoid rim. In the one Type IIIB lesion, a coracoid transfer was performed. At an average followup of 30 months, 22 shoulders (88%) had satisfactory results without recurrent instability, whereas three shoulders (12%) had postoperative redislocations. The majority of recurrent anterior dislocations with associated glenoid rim lesions can be treated by suturing the fracture fragment or capsule or both to the glenoid rim and addressing associated capsular laxity.

Forty-four patients, ranging in age from 17 to 57 years (average, 32), were evaluated an average of 4 years (range, 2 to 9) after surgical reconstruction for Allman-Tossy Grade III acromioclavicular dislocations. Twenty-seven patients underwent repair for acute injuries (< 3 weeks after injury) and 17 patients underwent reconstructions for chronic injuries (> 3 weeks). Coracoclavicular fixation with heavy nonabsorbable sutures was used to correct superior displacement in all cases. In addition, transfer of the coracoacromial ligament to the distal clavicle was performed in 15 of the 27 early repairs and 17 of the 17 late reconstructions. Overall, 26 of 27 (96%) early repairs and 13 of 17 (77%) late reconstructions achieved satisfactory results. There was a trend for better results and return to sports or heavy labor with early repairs; however, this was not statistically significant (P = 0.065). When the results of early repairs were compared with those of late reconstructions performed more than 3 months after injury, the results of the shoulders undergoing early repair were significantly better (P < 0.01). Overall, 39 of 44 (89%) patients achieved a satisfactory result. Surgical reconstruction for acromioclavicular dislocation provides reliable results including use of the arm for sports or repetitive work.

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