Abstract:Objective To compare the therapeutic effects of arthroscopically assisted AC TightRope fixation and hook plate fixation for the treatment of acute high-grade acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Methods A total of 69 patients with acute Rockwood type III - V acromioclavicular joint dislocation were selected, of which 27 patients underwent arthroscopically assisted AC TightRope fixation (TR group) and 42 underwent hook plate fixation (HP group). All patients were followed up for more than 24 months. The complication rate, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Constant-Murley scores, shoulder abduction angle, coracoclavicular distance measured by standard X-ray and the total cost of treatment during hospitalization were recorded and compared between the two groups. Overall recovery of the shoulder was assessed by the Karlsson criterion. Results There was no significant difference in overall complication rate between the two groups (P > 0.05). There were significant differences in VAS scores, Constant-Murley scores, shoulder abduction angle, and coracoclavicular distance at different time points as well as the changing trends of these indicators between the two groups (P < 0.05). According to Karlsson criterion, the postoperative efficacy assessed 24 months after the surgery was not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). The total cost during hospitalization in TR group was lower than that in HP group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Arthroscopically assisted AC TightRope fixation for the treatment of acute high-grade acromioclavicular joint dislocation is significantly better than the hook plate fixation in the short run, and it is not necessarily required to remove the implant. The therapeutic efficacy of hook plate fixation can be largely improved after removal of the internal fixation device, but it requires two operations with greater trauma, and the total cost is higher than that of AC TightRope fixation.