Outcome Analysis of Loop Endobutton Repair for Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations represent a frequent injury among young- and middle-aged adults, often resulting from high-energy trauma such as road traffic accidents and falls. While surgical intervention is standard for high-grade (Rockwood III-VI) injuries, the optimal technique remains debated. This study evaluates the clinical and functional outcomes of the Endobutton loop system in the management of acute AC joint dislocations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Orthopaedics, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, over 18 months. A cohort of 25 skeletally mature patients presenting with acute Rockwood Grade III to VI AC joint dislocations underwent surgical reconstruction using a closed-loop Endobutton device. Patients were monitored at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Outcomes were assessed using the Constant-Murley Shoulder Score (CMS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 41.16 ± 12.25 years, with a marked male predominance (84%). Rockwood Type III was the most frequent presentation (52%). Functional recovery demonstrated a statistically significant progressive improvement, with the mean CMS increasing from 54.68 ± 2.65 at 2 weeks to 90.64 ± 3.59 at 6 months. Simultaneously, mean VAS scores showed a significant reduction from 8.12 ± 0.92 to 1.52 ± 0.50 over the same period. The overall complication rate was low (8%), with no hardware-related failures requiring revision in 92% of cases. CONCLUSION: The Endobutton loop system is a safe, reliable, and effective surgical method for managing acute AC joint dislocations. It provides stable anatomical reduction, leads to excellent functional recovery, and is associated with minimal post-operative complications across all Rockwood grades.