While low-grade acromioclavicular injuries can be managed nonoperatively, high-grade separations may result in persistent pain or functional decline and require surgical intervention. The authors of “Posterior Distal Clavicle Beveling for Chronic Nonincarcerated Type IV Acromioclavicular Separations: Surgical Technique and Early Clinical Outcomes” present a case series reporting convincing results concerning functional outcomes and early return-to-sport rates for this rather rare condition. While this technique seemed to work well in this small series of patients, in our opinion, this procedure should be reserved for use in exceptional cases only.
About the Author: Peter Millett, MD
Pennsylvania native Peter J. Millett, M.D., M.Sc. is an internationally renowned sports orthopedic surgeon, researcher, and author with numerous patents for groundbreaking orthopedic and biologic innovations. As a partner at The Steadman Clinic, Dr. Millett has been consistently selected as one of the “Best Doctors in America” and has been ranked in the top 1% of Orthopaedic Surgeons by U.S. News and World Reports. Using advanced open and arthroscopic surgical techniques Dr. Millett focuses on restoring damaged joints, ligaments and bones in the shoulder, elbow and knee.