Abstract

Of 164 acromioclavicular joint injuries to midshipmen at the US Naval Academy between July 1973 and November 1978, 99 were Type 1, 52 were Type 2, and 13 were Type 3. Follow-up examinations revealed that 36 of Type 1, 48 of Type 2, and 69 of Type 3 patients had residual symptoms. Positive physical findings were present in 43 of Type 1, 77 of Type 2, and 100 of Type 3 injuries. Roentgenographic changes were noted in 70 of Type 1, 75 of Type 2, and 100 of Type 3 patients. This evaluation suggests aggressive treat- ment and rehabilitation are indicated in acute acromioclavicular injuries. Residual problems from Type 1 and 2 injuries are much more frequent than indicated in the literature. Symptoms in Type 1, but not in Type 2, injuries are directly related to the presence of positive physical findings. Roentgen- ographic changes are extremely common and are not correlated with symptoms. Treatment of Type 2 injuries with the acromioclavicular immobilizer resulted in fewercomplications than symptomatic treatment. Verf.-Referat