• ABSTRACT
    • More than 100 surgical techniques have been described for the reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligament complex. None of the techniques appears superior, but double-button fixation for acute high-grade acromioclavicular dislocations has become an attractive option. The clinical outcomes are good to excellent, and the return to physical activity and sport is above 90%. However, complications such as loss of reduction and tunnel widening have been described and can reach up to 80%. The load to failure of the native coracoclavicular complex is more than 600 N, and any surgical technique must surpass this figure. Single-button and loop techniques do not always sufficiently stabilize the acromioclavicular joint. Even double- and triple-button techniques may not restore vertical and horizontal stability of the acromioclavicular joint to its native normal state. Double-button technique restores both scapula and clavicular rotation closest to the native state, but still has lower stiffness and results in higher superior-inferior translation, which could cause ongoing vertical instability.