A 30-year-old rugby player sustains a grade V acromioclavicular joint dislocation (Rockwood classification). Radiograph shows complete separation with inferior displacement of the acromion ('reversed piano key'). The surgical procedure that reconstructs the coracoclavicular ligament using a tendon graft or synthetic tape is:
- A Tight-rope or cortical button (TightRope/Dog-Bone) technique for coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction ✓
- B Weaver-Dunn procedure
- C K-wire fixation across the AC joint
- D Distal clavicle excision (Mumford procedure)
Explanation
Modern management of Rockwood grade IV-VI AC dislocations involves coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction using either a tendon graft (semitendinosus/gracilis) or synthetic cortical button-tape devices (TightRope, Dog-Bone button) passed through drill holes in the coracoid and clavicle. This restores the 1.3 cm coracoclavicular distance and provides functional stability. The Weaver-Dunn transfers the coracoacromial ligament to the clavicle (less anatomic, higher failure rates). K-wire fixation risks wire migration. Mumford procedure treats isolated AC joint arthritis, not acute instability.
Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.