Acromio-clavicular separations treated conservatively. A 5-year follow-up study.

Seventy patients with acute acromio-clavicular separation were examined retrospectively after treatment with a minimum of immobilization. The mean interval between injury and follow-up was 6 years. In 37 patients with partial separation, the results were excellent in 24 and good in 13. In 30 patients with complete separation, the results were excellent in 7, good in 23 and unsatisfactory in 3. The radiographic findings are discussed. At follow-up, complete separation had often caused remodeling with stability of the joint.