Optimal treatment for the unstable acromioclavicular (AC) joint remains a highly debated
topic in the field of orthopaedic medicine. In particular, no consensus exists regarding
treatment of grade III injuries, which are classified according to the Rockwood classification
by disruption of both the coracoclavicular and AC ligaments. The ISAKOS Upper Extremity
Committee has provided a more specific classification of shoulder pathologies to enhance
the knowledge on and clinical approach to these injuries. We suggest the addition
of grade IIIA and grade IIIB injuries to a modified Rockwood classification. Grade
IIIA injuries would be defined by a stable AC joint without overriding of the clavicle
on the cross-body adduction view and without significant scapular dysfunction. The
unstable grade IIIB injury would be further defined by therapy-resistant scapular
dysfunction and an overriding clavicle on the cross-body adduction view.
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
November 7,
2013
Received:
August 26,
2013
Footnotes
The authors report the following potential conflict of interest or source of funding: A.D.M. is a consultant for Arthrex, and has received financial and material support from Arthrex and Donohugh Grant. G.A. is a speaker and consultant for Mitek, Inc. A.B.I. is a consultant for Arthrex and mediBayreuth.
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
