Sex-Based Differences in Optimal Tunnel Placement for Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction

Abstract

Background: Tunnel placement is important for outcomes after acromioclavicular (AC) joint reconstruction, yet little has been written on sex-based differences in optimal tunnel positioning. Hypothesis: No sex-based or anatomic differences will be found in ideal tunnel position based on radiographic measurements. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The records of 2382 patients were retrospectively examined for clavicle radiographs over a 20-year period. A random set of radiographs were reviewed until 200 radiographs from each sex met inclusion criteria per a priori power analysis. Anteroposterior clavicle radiographs were used to collect (1) length from lateral clavicle to lateral coracoid (LCLC), (2) length from lateral clavicle to medial coracoid (LCMC), (3) clavicle length (CL), and (4) clavicular depth at the midcoracoid (MCCD). The Student t test was used to compare differences between male and female patients. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to measure linear correlations. Variables with a P