The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of patients treated with either double Endobutton device or triple Endobutton device for acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations.

Eighty patients were randomized to operative stabilization either by double Endobutton device (group A, 40) or by triple Endobutton device (group B, 40). Preoperative variables included the patients’ age, sex, the affected side, cause of injury, Rockwood classification and time from injury to surgery. Peri-operative variables were incision length, blood loss, the operative time and the radiation time, length of hospitalization and hospital costs. Postoperative variables were complications, the Constant and VAS scores and the ability to return to previous work. The coracoclavicular (CC) distance of the affected shoulder was assessed on a standard radiograph and compared with the contralateral normal one.

The average follow-up time of group A was 26.5±7.3months and group B was 24.2±6.6months. The overall complication rate was similar in both groups (26/40 vs. 24/40, P=0.644). There were no significant differences in the mean incision length, blood loss, the operative and radiation time, length of hospitalization, the Constant and VAS scores, and the ability to return to previous work between the two groups. However, the patients of group B had more hospital costs (3802.5±258.5 vs. 2433.6±182.5 USD, P=0.000). The radiological assessment revealed no significant difference in the CC distance between the two groups (P=0.625).

Triple Endobutton technique did not show significant clinical advantages over double Endobutton technique.

Level II prospective randomized study.