Monopolar and Bipolar Combination Injuries of the Clavicle: Retrospective Incidence Analysis and Proposal of a New Classification System

[Treatment strategy for severe implosion injuries of the lateral chest wall]

In the majority of cases implosion injuries to the thoracic wall are caused by blunt, massive force acting on the thorax. Basically, different regions and directions of the acting energy have to be taken into account. In common usage, the term implosion injury has become established, especially for the sequelae of lateral energy impact. Particular attention should be paid to the stability of the shoulder girdle, the underlying hemithorax and its intrathoracic organs.

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.