Acute ACJ Dislocation
General Anaesthetic with an interscalene block (Fully asleep with a local anaesthetic injection into the side of the neck will numb the nerves to the shoulder for post-operative pain relief)
Arthroscopic
3 ½ cm incisions will be made in the shoulder, one to the back, one at the side and one at the front of the shoulder.
The glenohumeral joint is examined and the front of the joint is exposed to reveal the coracoid process. A special jig is then used to enable a hole to be drilled through the clavicle and the coracoid. The Tightrope system is then passed through the 2 holes and secured, placing the clavicle back in the correct position.
Small butterfly paper stitches will be used to close the wounds.
Elastoplast dressings will be placed over the top of the paper stitches and an adhesive bandage over the top of this.
A sling will be placed on the arm and it may feel numb for the rest of the day. You can go home when you feel comfortable and will be given instructions on what to do next.