Results using the AO hook plate for dislocations of the acromioclavicular joint.

The AO Hook plate has been used for stabilization of acromioclavicular joint dislocations. We present our experience of this newly introduced device in a general hospital, since there are not many papers in the literature reporting on this. A total of 16 patients were treated with the AO Hook plate between November 2001 and November 2003 at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, UK. For functional assessment 6 months after removal of the plate, the constant score and the pain visual analogue score were used. The pain visual analogue score ranged from 0 to 6 (mean: 0.87) and the constant score ranged from 78 to 100 (mean: 96.4). In one instance, a patient developed instability after removal of the plate. The use of this device results in excellent functional outcome for the treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocations.