A case of acromioclavicular joint dislocation associated with coracoid process fracture

Abstract

Rupture of any two or more parts of the superior shoulder suspensory complex (SSSC) including the distal clavicle, acromion, coracoid process, glenoid cavity of the scapula, acromioclavicular ligament, and coracoclavicular ligament is associated with shoulder girdle instability and is an indication for surgery. Here we report a case of acromioclavicular joint dislocation associated with coracoid process fracture. A 48-year-old man sustained a hard blow to the left shoulder from a fall, and simple radiography detected a coracoid process fracture and acromioclavicular joint dislocation. The injury consisted of a rupture of two parts of the SSSC. For the coracoid process fracture, osteosynthesis was performed using hollow cancellous bone screws. For the acromioclavicular joint dislocation, hook plate fixation and the modified Neviaser's procedure were performed. The bone healed well 5 months after surgery, at which time the screws were removed. At 18 months after initial surgery, the coracoid process fracture had healed with a 10% rate of dislocation on radiography, and the patient currently has no problem performing daily activities, no range of motion limitations, and a Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale score of 93.