Correlation of ultrasonographic findings to Tossy’s and Rockwood’s classification of acromioclavicular joint injuries

Inter- and Intraobserver Reliability of the Radiographic Diagnosis and Treatment of Acromioclavicular Joint Separations

“…Some disagreement exists regarding the appropriate management of type III separations, which involve a rupture of the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments, 2 with the shoulder complex displaced inferiorly and the clavicle displaced superiorly ( Figure). Heers and Hedtmann 3 hypothesized that the variability of soft tissue lesions in type III lesions is the main reason why no standard treatment method exists for these separations. Although a trend exists toward nonoperative care for type III separations, 4,5 this decision usually depends on the patient's sport, throwing demands, time of year with respect to the athletic season of interest, arm dominance, and occupation.…”

Biomechanical and Radiographic Analysis of Partial Coracoclavicular Ligament Injuries

“…Some retrospective studies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound have noted complete disruption of CC ligaments in patients who initially were thought to have type II injuries. 2,13,20 Prior studies have determined the contributions of the conoid and trapezoid ligaments to AC stability. [8][9][10] In these studies, there was not a significant increase in superior migration of the clavicle if the CC ligaments remained intact.…”

Classifications in Brief: Rockwood Classification of Acromioclavicular Joint Separations

“…Heers and Hedtmann [12] assessed whether ultrasound could be useful in evaluation of high-grade AC separations when examining the condition of the deltoid and trapezoid muscles. When they compared sonographic and intraoperative findings of patients classified as having Types III to V injuries, they found good sensitivity (80%) and excellent specificity (100%) for detecting disruption of the deltoid and trapezius muscles and excellent specificity and sensitivity (100%) for detecting disruption of their common fascia.…”