Surgical treatment options for AC joint dislocation: Comparison of clinical outcomes of TightRope and hook plate methods

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations frequently occur in young and active individuals, resulting in pain, restricted movement, and functional limitations. Among surgical treatments, TightRope and hook plate methods are commonly used. However, their comparative effectiveness remains a topic of debate. To retrospectively compare the clinical outcomes of TightRope and hook plate methods in the surgical treatment of AC joint dislocations, focusing on complication rates, recovery time, and functional outcomes. This retrospective study included 60 patients (30 TightRope, 30 hook plate) treated between 2018 and 2023 for Rockwood Type III-V AC joint dislocations. Complication rates, time to return to daily activities and sports, and Constant-Murley Shoulder Scores were analyzed. Data were statistically evaluated using chi-square and independent t-tests, with significance set at p<0.05. The TightRope group exhibited a significantly lower complication rate (10%) compared to the hook plate group (20%, p<0.05). Patients treated with TightRope returned to daily activities and sports faster (8 and 12 weeks, respectively) than those treated with hook plates (10 and 16 weeks, p<0.05). Functional outcomes, as measured by Constant-Murley Shoulder Scores, were superior in the TightRope group (85.3±4.6 vs. 79.7±5.2, p<0.05). The TightRope method demonstrated advantages over the hook plate method in terms of lower complication rates, faster recovery, and better functional outcomes. However, the hook plate remains a viable option for patients requiring greater mechanical stability. Future studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are recommended to validate these findings.