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Xiros USAGet back to the things you enjoy
Surgery reduces pain
Brings the collarbone back into line so that it does not jut out
Successful return to activity after operation
Low-profile implant for improved appearance
Re-align your shoulder, reduce the pain
Infinity-Lock Button System for shoulder acromioclavicular joint separation
Re-align your shoulder, reduce the pain
Infinity-Lock Button System provides a surgical solution to repair a separated shoulder, an injury at the point where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade (acromioclavicular joint). Surgical repair with Infinity-Lock Button System reduces pain and allows you to get back to work, home life and sport.
To locate a surgeon who can advise on whether Infinity-Lock Button System is a suitable treatment for your shoulder injury click the below button.
Benefits of Infinity-Lock Button System
How it works
Infinity-Lock Button System is suitable for those shoulder acromioclavicular tears that need surgical repair. Bear in mind some sprains do not need, or benefit from, surgery. Check with your surgeon whether you need an operation. The surgeon uses the tape in the Infinity-Lock Button System to attach the collarbone to the shoulder blade. A low-profile titanium button on top of the collarbone protects this tape. The tape-and-button system improves the appearance of the shoulder as well as reducing the pain by re-aligning the collarbone. After surgery the shoulder tissues heal with careful rehabilitation and the Infinity-Lock implant is left in place permanently.
Clinical Studies
Three sets of clinical tests have been carried out on Infinity-Lock Button System (references 1, 2, 3 below). All three trials showed excellent improvements in re-aligning the shoulder, reducing pain and improving the function. The studies include cases where the injury was initially treated without an operation but did not respond well, and the patient has a later operation (referred to as a chronic separation).
To identify the nearest surgeon who can advise on whether Infinity-Lock Button System can help your shoulder, please click here to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
My doctor said that I do not need surgery, but I’m not getting any better. Can I have the operation?
This type of injury can vary, from a sprain to the most severe rupture. Surgery is normally recommended for more severe injuries only. For intermediate level injuries the first treatment option is to use local measures such as slings, ice packs and pain relief. If that does not work, then surgery is the next option. If you have had pain and impaired function for over 3 months you should ask your doctor for a review.
Will I have to wear a sling after the operation?
You will have your arm supported in a sling straight after the operation. This is to protect the repair. It is very important to wear the sling at all times until you are told you can take it off by your therapist or surgeon. Patients usually need to wear the sling for 4-6 weeks, but it might be removed for physiotherapy during this period.
How long does recovery take before I can return to normal activities?
Typically it will take 4-6 weeks before the sling can be removed and you need to be prepared not to use your arm during this time. From 6 to 12 weeks after the operation you will be working on regaining range of movement and shoulder stability. Following this period, you will start to strengthen the shoulder. You should discuss your activities with your surgeon. Whilst individual situations vary, it is usually advised to avoid manual work for 3-4 months and contact sports for 6 months.
Is there a scar and if so, where is it?
The operation is normally done through an incision about 5 cm long. It will either be placed over the collarbone or vertically over the top of the shoulder. There will be a scar where the incision was made. Please ask your surgeon how he/she intends to make the incision or where the scar will be.
How long will I have to stay in hospital?
This surgery is usually carried out as a day case and you often go home the same day, once you have been shown how to look after the shoulder and how to put on a sling. Sometimes an overnight stay might be appropriate or needed, especially if you live alone.
Can I have the implant taken out later?
The implant is normally left permanently in place since tissue grows in and around it as the body heals. Removing the whole implant would probably damage the body’s repaired tissue and undo some of the benefit. The number of reoperations has been very low using this implant, but in exceptional cases, the metal button may need to be removed if it is prominent under the skin. This will only be after 9-12 months, once the ligament has integrated into your body such that the button is no longer required.
Additional Information
These answers to patients’ questions have been checked by a consultant shoulder surgeon who is experienced in using Infinity-Lock Button System.
- 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.