Reliable Surgical Solution for ACJ Repair Successful treatment of acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injuries depends on precision and technique. Research shows that using a loop around the coracoid, rather than drilling through the bone, significantly reduces the risk of re-operation and lowers failure rates in chronic cases.
The Infinity-Lock Button System is designed to deliver superior outcomes in ACJ stabilization. Its broad, high-strength tape loops securely around the coracoid and passes vertically through the clavicle, providing stable, low-profile fixation. Surgeons can achieve excellent clinical and radiological results with a solution that prioritizes both safety and long-term success.
Benefits
Protecting tissue Infinity-Lock Button System is designed to enable meticulous care of the tissue structures in the shoulder.
- No drill hole through the delicate coracoid, reducing risk of fracture
- Instrumentation: CC-Hook dedicated coracoid passer for minimal soft-tissue damage
- Broad tape for reduced likelihood of bone abrasion
- 4 mm clavicle vertical tunnel, no A-P drilling
Tissue in-growth The tape construct has an open-weave structure, facilitating tissue in-growth and on-growth. Tissue graft augmentation can be used but is not needed, eliminating autograft morbidity and allograft cost issues.
Efficient solution The one-size-fits-all design and single-use instrument reduce inventory and instrument-kit complexity as well as eliminating the risk of mis-sizing.
Performance
- Studies show good clinical and radiological outcomes
- Pain reduction, anatomic shoulder reduction and enabling return to work or sport
- The device has low stretch and maintains high strength under repeated long-term loading
How it Works
- The implant is passed around the coracoid process and both limbs are passed through the loop
- Both limbs of the Tape are passed through the 4 mm diameter bone tunnel one at a time
- Single low-profile Button is used to anchor the Tape to the bone
- Secured with a surgeon’s knot posteriorly
Clinical Data Summary
There are several studies on the Infinity-Lock Button System, from different centres, all with excellent results. Download summary of clinical data.
Series of 15 patients, Rockwood Grade III AC joint dislocations, 18 month follow-up2
Series of 15 patients, Rockwood Grade IV, V acute and Grade III chronic, controlled, followed for minimum 3 months3
Series of mixed grade AC joint dislocations, 15 cases4
The studies used different function scoring systems but showed good improvement. Romano et al2 reported CMS scores of 95 at 18-month follow-up. Loukovitis et al3 used the Nottingham clavicle score, the patients treated with Infinity-Lock Button System had a mean score of 80 at follow-up, the control group score was 69. Chowdhury et al4 used the Oxford score, recording 40.5 (maximum 48) improved from 16.2 pre-operatively (no control group).
Two studies also measured the reduction, with 7.4 mm and 8.2 mm mean reductions in clavicle-coracoid distance. There were only two instances of loss of reduction in the 45 cases across all three reports.
Infinity-Lock™ Button System Surgical Technique Animation
Infinity-Lock™ Button System In Situ Animation
Infinity-Lock™ Button System Virtual Model
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a knot stack on top of the button on the clavicle?
No, the tapes are passed from the button around the clavicle and tied posteriorly, where the depth of tissue between clavicle and skin is greater. Optionally the surgeon can tie a half knot over the button for stability while completing this final step.
Are there any special rehabilitation requirements?
There is a recommended rehabilitation programme. This should be supervised by a physiotherapist. All mobilisation and exercises should be performed within the pain free range of movement. The patient should be warned not to exceed the prescribed activity levels or to overload the repair before complete healing has occurred.
What happens to the Infinity-Lock tape over time?
The tape is non-resorbable polyester and stays in place. The open weave provides a scaffold construction which allows tissue on-growth and in-growth, leading to encapsulation of the tape.
How can the reduction with the Infinity-Lock Button System be reliable?
There are key elements of the surgical technique that are highlighted in training for reliable reduction and best positioning. For example, there is guidance on selecting the optimum drill position on the clavicle. These are covered in the training material for the procedure.
Related Products
Infinity-Lock™ Button System
Successful operative treatment of the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) requires a meticulous technique.
View product
Pitch-Patch
Repairing massive rotator cuff (RC) tears is challenging, with patients often facing high re-tear rates. The
View product