Background: Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is a common injury, among adults and athletes. While the clavicular hook plate is a widely used surgical intervention, reports regarding postoperative range of motion (ROM) and functional outcomes remain inconsistent. This study aims to evaluate the shoulder ROM and clinical outcomes in patients with AC joint dislocation treated with hook plate fixation.
Methods: This cross-sectional follow-up study was conducted at Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Babol, Iran. The study consisted of 60 patients with AC joint dislocation treated with a hook plate. Postoperative outcomes were assessed using Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick-DASH) questionnaire, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain (at rest and motion), and goniometric ROM assessment. Complications such as infection, re-dislocation, and frozen shoulder were recorded.
Results: The mean age of participants was 29.72 ± 8.92 years, with a male predominance (81.7%). The mean postoperative ROM deficit was 35.45º ± 3.62, and the mean Quick-DASH score was 12.98 ± 2.04. The mean pain intensity was 5.95 ± 1.12 during motion and 5.45 ± 0.92 at rest. Complications occurred in 5% of patients (n=3). Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in surgical duration, length of hospital stay, or clinical outcomes between genders (all p ≥ 0.124) or age groups (all p ≥ 0.476).Conclusion: Hook plate fixation for acromioclavicular dislocation was associated with favorable postoperative functional outcomes and low complication rate. However, absence of preoperative functional scores and a comparison group limits conclusions regarding true clinical improvement or superiority over other treatment methods.