Non-operative treatment of a fracture to the coracoid process with acromioclavicular dislocation in an adolescent

• DOI: 10.4081/or.2014.5499
• Publication Date: 2014-11-07T09:56:33Z
• Authors: Vera Pedersen; Wolf Christian Prall; Ben Ockert; Florian Haasters
• Keywords: Coracoid process; Joint dislocation; Coracoclavicular ligament

Coracoid process fractures are rare and often associated with dislocations of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. There is little evidence about treatment these injuries in adolescents, but few case reports published recommend surgery. We report a dislocated epiphyseal fracture to base coracoid AC joint dislocation 14-year-old ice-hockey player following direct impact his left shoulder. Since magnetic resonance tomography revealed intact coracoclavicular ligaments, we initiated non-operative immobilization unloading shoulder by an abduction brace allowing limited rotation for 6 weeks. This resulted complete recovery after 8 weeks return full sports on first league level 3 month. In conclusion, concomitant AC-joint injury adolescent can result excellent functional results early recovery.