TLC for the ACJ

Successful operative treatment of the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) requires a meticulous technique.
Meta-analysis has found that using a loop around the coracoid, as opposed to drilling through the bone, results in a lower incidence of re-operation as well as fewer failures in chronic injuries1. The Infinity-Lock Button system provides good clinical and radiological outcomes in treating acromioclavicular joint separation, with its broad tape looping around the coracoid and passing through the clavicle vertically with low-profile fixation.
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Benefits
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
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.
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.
- 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
Please also refer to the animation and surgical technique manual.
- 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
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.
The Infinity-Lock Button System is indicated for patients with acromioclavicular separations resulting from disruption to the coracoclavicular ligaments.
To view the instructions for use please visit our IFU library
102-1089 Infinity-Lock Button System, includes:
Infinity-Lock Tape, 7 mm x 240 mm
Infinity-Lock Button, 4 mm x 12 mm
Cannulated drill bit, plain shank to fit Jacobs Chuck, 4.0 mm diameter x 120 mm
Guidewire, 2.0 mm diameter x 150 mm
Optional Disposable Instrument:
202-1411 CC-Hook, with a curved end, Left
202-1413 CC-Hook, with a curved end, Right
Frequently Asked Questions
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Additional Information
For further information, and for details of local distributors and agents, contact our Sales and Marketing team at enquiries@xiros.co.uk
All data listed on this page is held at Xiros and can be requested by contacting enquiries@xiros.co.uk
To request the full range of product documentation or to view any of these documents in a language other than English, please contact us for availability
Always refer to the Instructions for Use which contains detailed information and essential warnings and precautions
- Chowdhury A, Hillier-Smith R, MacLeod I, Colaço H. Coracoid tunnel versus coracoid loop techniques for acromioclavicular stabilisation: a systematic review. Poster, London Shoulder Meeting 2023.
- Romano, A. M., P. Casillo, M. De Simone, G. Nastrucci, D. Risorto, M. Susanna, A. Di Giunta and F. Ascione (2020). The Infinity-Lock System for Chronic Grade III AC Joint Dislocation: A Novel Technique, Rehabilitation Protocol and Short Term Results. J Clin Med 9(8).
- Loukovitis K, Dupley L, Sharma S, Heasley R, Jain N. A Comparison Study of the Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Two Techniques of Coraco-Clavicular Ligament Reconstruction for Acromioclavicular Joint. EFORT Congress, Lisbon 2019.
- Chowdhury A, Kohli S, Taiwo A, Sampalli S, Elmorsy A. Clinical and radiological outcomes of the Xiros Infinity-Lock Button System, a novel suture button technique, for the management of Acromioclavicular joint disruption. EFORT Congress, Lisbon 2019.