SynthesisBMC musculoskeletal disorders2024
Comparative efficacy of operative versus conservative treatment for Rockwood type III acromioclavicular joint dislocation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Synthesis in BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- [Effectiveness of composite loop plate around coracoid process for reconstructing coracoclavicular ligament in treatment of Rockwood typeZhongguo xiu fu chong jian wai ke za zhi = Zhongguo xiufu chongjian waike zazhi = Chinese journal of reparative and reconstructive surgery · 2025Article
- Return to Sport After Acromioclavicular Injury: A Systematic Review of Modifiable Factors.Journal of clinical medicine · 2025Review
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundOptimal management of Rockwood type III acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation is still debated. Our aim is to conduct a meta-analysis of clinical studies evaluating the functional outcomes of operative versus conservative treatment for Rockwood type III ACJ dislocation.
methodsWe conducted a systematic search across PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, including only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing exclusively on type III ACJ dislocation. A total of 244 patients from four studies were included. Outcomes measured included Constant scores (CS), coracoclavicular distance (CCD), pain, and complication rates. Heterogeneity was assessed and managed to ensure robust conclusions.
resultsThe pooled results showed no significant difference in long-term functional outcomes, measured by CS, between surgical and conservative treatments (MD: 4.82, 95% CI: -6.42 to 16.06, P = 0.400). Surgical treatment provided better early pain relief and superior CCD at all follow-up points but did not improve long-term outcomes. Complication rates were similar for both treatments, though surgical intervention had a higher incidence of posttraumatic osteoarthritis and hardware-related issues. Conservative treatment resulted in fewer complications and comparable long-term results.
conclusionsBased on the evidence, while surgical treatment may offer early benefits in pain relief and CCD improvement, it does not enhance long-term functional outcomes and is associated with higher specific complication rates. Conservative treatment provides a viable alternative with fewer complications and similar long-term outcomes. These findings highlight the need for individualized treatment plans based on patient-specific factors and suggest further high-quality, long-term studies to refine management strategies for Type III AC joint dislocations.
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