Why is coracoclavicular (CC) ligament anatomical reconstruction necessary for severe or chronic acromioclavicular joint dislocations?

Doctor’s answer

Acromioclavicular joint dislocations (Rockwood types IV-VI and some type III) not only damage the acromioclavicular ligaments but also completely rupture the coracoclavicular ligaments (trapezoid and conoid ligaments) that maintain vertical stability. Simple Kirschner wire or plate fixation often leads to recurrent deformity after removal. Modern sports medicine often uses arthroscopically assisted minimally invasive cortical button techniques (TightRope/double button technique) or autograft tendon anatomical reconstruction of the CC ligaments to restore both vertical and horizontal stability.

This content is for education. Diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation require an individual assessment by a sports medicine specialist.