Acute Acromioclavicular Dislocation: Epidemiology, Natural History and Analysis of Prognostic Factors

Aim: To evaluate non-operative treatment of acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation and define prognostic factors to guide the choice of treatment in order to develop an individualized treatment algorithm. Objectives: 1. To investigate whether a sub classification of Rockwoods type III in a stable type IIIA and an unstable type IIIB, as suggested by ISAKOS (International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine), is clinically relevant. Clinically relevant is defined as a difference in the WOSI score of \>14% 2. To evaluate clinical, functional and radiological results, along with patient-reported health, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after acute AC dislocation 3. To investigate whether specific factors are of prognostic value to the result after non-operative management of acute AC dislocation 4. To investigate if Rockwoods classification of AC dislocations is of prognostic value for the rehabilitation after the injury. Type of study: Prospective cohort study. 100 patients will be included. Time schedule: Recruitment of patients is planned to begin November 2018. It is expected that the inclusion will span 1 year, provided an average of 2 patients included per week. With a 1-year follow-up for each patient the total study period is expected to be 2 years. Set-up: In the Capital Region of Denmark the majority of patients with acute AC joint dislocation are treated non-operatively. A collar'n cuff is applied in the emergency room and the patient is instructed to begin non-weight bearing exercises after 1-3 weeks. 100 patients with acute AC-joint dislocation will be included in the cohort and evaluated at controls 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after the injury. The patients will be identified from X-rays obtained in the Emergency Departments at three Danish Hospitals. At each control the patient will reply to 2 questionnaires regarding their shoulder-related function and quality of life, be evaluated throu