Cadaveric biomechanical study using 6 fresh-frozen human AC joints to determine which individual components of the acromioclavicular capsule — anterior, posterior, superior, or inferior — resist posterior translation of the distal clavicle, motivated by the clinical problem of postoperative pain after distal clavicle excision.
When performing distal clavicle excision — open or arthroscopic.
Use an intracapsular technique that preserves the superior and posterior AC capsular ligaments; sectioning these structures eliminates ~81% of the capsule's resistance to posterior translation and risks painful postoperative instability.
The anterior and inferior capsule can be safely divided without meaningful loss of posterior stability.
Cadaveric biomechanical study using 6 fresh-frozen human AC joints to determine which individual components of the acromioclavicular capsule — anterior, posterior, superior, or inferior — resist posterior translation of the distal clavicle, motivated by the clinical problem of postoperative pain after distal clavicle excision.
When performing distal clavicle excision — open or arthroscopic.
Use an intracapsular technique that preserves the superior and posterior AC capsular ligaments; sectioning these structures eliminates ~81% of the capsule's resistance to posterior translation and risks painful postoperative instability.
The anterior and inferior capsule can be safely divided without meaningful loss of posterior stability.