Management of type III acromioclavicular joint dislocation: A Delphi consensus survey by Shoulder & Elbow Society, India (SESI).

Purpose: The study aimed to report the results of the Delphi survey conducted by the Shoulder, Elbow Society India (SESI), to achieve consensus on ambiguous topics in managing type III acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocations.

Methods: This study was based on responses from the Shoulder Elbow Society India (SESI) panel of peer-selected twenty senior surgeons practicing shoulder orthopedics. They participated in two rounds of the survey to obtain consensus on several topics pertaining to the management of type III ACJ dislocations. Consensus was achieved when at least 70 % of the panel members selected at least a 4-point on a 5-point Likert scale.

Results: Our Delphi survey reached a consensus on seven topics of ambiguity. An anteroposterior and axillary view of the shoulder without any traction or weight in hand is sufficient in the setting of a suspected type III ACJ dislocation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not routinely indicated in type III ACJ dislocation. Either cross-arm adduction X-rays or clinical examination may be used to distinguish between ISAKOS (International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee surgery and Orthopaedics Sports medicine) IIIA and B classification of ACJ to identify stable and unstable injuries. Conservative treatment can be offered to patients who have stable injuries and who are not high-demand individuals in acute type III ACJ dislocations. In conservative management of type III ACJ dislocation, a two-week sling suffices. Jones strapping has no clear advantage over a shoulder sling. Coracoclavicular reconstruction with an autograft is an acceptable way to treat symptomatic, chronic grade III ACJ dislocation.

Conclusion: The survey helped achieve consensus on several controversial issues related to type III ACJ dislocations. However, there remains ambiguity on the definition of chronicity of such dislocations, the necessity of bilateral Zanca views, and the duration of conservative trial before switching to a surgical line of management.