Simultaneous Clavicle Fracture and Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation: Novel Surgical Technique: A Case Report

Midshaft clavicle fractures with associated ipsilateral acromioclavicular joint injuries: a systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Isolated midshaft clavicle fractures (MCF) and acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injuries are common, but simultaneous cases are rare and often receive insufficient clinical attention, resulting in missed diagnoses. Moreover, there is no consensus on the injury mechanism, classification, and treatment, and the prognosis remains poorly summarized. This review aims to provide an overview of MCFs with ipsilateral ACJ injuries, focusing on injury mechanism, classification, treatment, and prognosis.

METHODS

We searched the literature published between 1962 and 2024 on PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE using the search terms "clavicle fracture [Title/Abstract]) AND (acromioclavicular [Title/Abstract])". Studies reporting clinical outcomes in patients with MCF and ipsilateral ACJ injuries were included. 37 studies were included after screening. The study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Data on study design, patient demographics, treatment approaches, and outcomes were extracted for qualitative analysis. We then summarized key findings and presented our insights.

RESULTS

MCFs with ipsilateral ACJ injuries are often associated with comorbidities such as rib fractures, hemopneumothorax, scapula fractures, neurovascular injuries, and atypical MCF displacement patterns. These cases should raise suspicion for combined injuries. Due to the "floating" nature of the lateral clavicle, the "Piano Key Sign" is typically negative and not reliable for diagnosis. Initial ACJ evaluation may be inconclusive, so reevaluation after MCF fixation is recommended. Type IV ACJ injuries can be underestimated on anteroposterior radiographs, and additional axillary radiographs and CT scans may better visualize posterior clavicle displacement. Most researchers believe ACJ capsule and ligament damage occurs first, but is insufficient to cause significant dislocation, suggesting that isolated MCF may involve combined ACJ injury with intact coracoclavicular ligaments. Notably, most patients reported favorable outcomes without major complications within two years, regardless of treatment approach.

CONCLUSIONS

MCFs with ipsilateral ACJ injuries are rare and often missed when ACJ injuries are mild. The injury mechanism is unclear, and no classification system exists to indicate severity. These injuries are typically treated separately without a unified protocol. Despite promising outcomes, further studies are needed to address these issues and improve understanding of long-term results.

Simultaneous bilateral midshaft clavicle fractures (Allman Type I): Case series

RATIONALE

A simultaneous bilateral fracture of the middle clavicle is a very rare injury in clinical practice, and the necessity of surgical intervention and treatment modality remains a topic of debate.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report a case of multiple injuries in a 40-year-old woman following a road traffic accident and another case of polytrauma in a 46-year-old man following a collision injury.

DIAGNOSES

The radiographs of the bilateral shoulder joints and the 3-dimensional reconstruction CT of the chest showed the fractures in the middle third of the clavicle on both sides. In addition, concurrent injuries were not overlooked.

INTERVENTIONS

Until the patient's life-threatening injury is prioritized and the patient's vital signs are stable, patients were treated with the anatomical locking plate to stabilize the bilateral clavicle fractures. Progressive functional exercises were implemented following the operation.

OUTCOMES

At the 2-month follow-up examination, the patients showed excellent range of motion and functional outcomes.

LESSONS

Given the rarity of this combined injury, it is crucial to minimize the duration of functional impairment and encourage early functional exercises for both shoulder joints. We recommend that surgical indications be judiciously relaxed to allow for open reduction and internal fixation using locking plates.

Ipsilateral Rockwood type IV acromioclavicular joint dislocation and midshaft clavicle fracture: a case report and review of the literature

The combination of ipsilateral acromioclavicular joint dislocation and midshaft clavicle fracture is rare. In the last 30 years, only 29 cases have been reported in literature. We present a case of a 55-year-old woman with this combined injury pattern on the right side after a fall from a bicycle. She underwent open reduction and plate fixation of the clavicle fracture and repair of both the acromioclavicular ligaments and the coracoclavicular joint with semi-rigid surgical implants. Six months of follow-up showed satisfactory results with full range of motion. In addition, we provide an overview of the literature regarding this rare injury pattern with treatment options and functional outcomes.

Mid-clavicle fracture with dislocation of the ipsilateral acromioclavicular joint treated with Endobutton system: A case report and review of the literature

RATIONALE

Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation combined with ipsilateral midclavicular fracture is extremely unusual and is a high-energy injury to the shoulder. A review of the literature divides the treatment of clavicular fractures is divided into nonsurgical treatment, plates, and intramedullary nailing, while the options for ACJ dislocation are elastic fixation and rigid fixation. However, there is still a lack of consensus about the most appropriate way to treat this shoulder injury. This case report involves a mid-clavicle fracture with dislocation of the ipsilateral ACJ, which was classified as type V according to Rockwood classification.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 65-year-old man came to the emergency department after a traffic accident in which he was driving a motorcycle that collided with another motorcycle and his right shoulder collided directly with the ground. Digital radiography (DR) and computed tomography (CT) scans of the right shoulder joint showed mid-clavicle fracture with dislocation of the ipsilateral ACJ, which was classified as type V according to Rockwood classification.

DIAGNOSES

The diagnosis of mid-clavicle fracture with dislocation of the ipsilateral ACJ was confirmed by DR and CT.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with a clavicle plate combined with the double Endobutton technique.

OUTCOMES

After a 6-month follow up, the patient had excellent results for shoulder range of motion and functional. The patient's Constant-Murley score is 92.

LESSONS

Mid-clavicular fracture with a high-energy injury is highly suspicious and requires perfect shoulder CT or bilateral shoulder stress position DR to confirm whether there is a combined ACJ dislocation.