Management of dislocations of both ends of the clavicle

We treated six patients who had a dislocation of both ends of the clavicle (an anterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint and a posterior dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint). Two patients who had fewer demands on the shoulder--an elderly woman and a woman who had had an ipsilateral amputation of the hand--did well; they had only minor symptoms after non-operative management. The other four patients (all men) had continuing pain at the acromioclavicular joint; each had a reconstruction of the joint, which resulted in a painless, full range of motion and return to normal activity. No patient had continuing pain in the sternoclavicular joint.     

Posttraumatische bipolare Luxation der Klavikula

Bipolar dislocation of the clavicle (“floating clavicle”) is extremely rare. It exists no standardised treatment for this trauma and the treatment is often conservative. This is mainly an anterior displacement of the sternoclavicular joint (type III according to Allman) and a posterior dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint (type IV according to Rockwood). We report on a 60 year old male who fell onto the right shoulder. He sustained a ‘floating clavicle’ and had a massive dislocation, impairment of range of motion and pain. Venous congestion was observable. We stabilised the dislocated acromioclavicular joint with a Balser’s plate, the sternoclavicular joint was fixed with PDS cord tension band technique around the first rip and the sternum. In addition we resected the anterior part of the distal clavicle to get a better cosmetic result. Post-operatively the patient had an excellent range of motion without any further symptoms after six weeks and one year. Venous congestion was not more observable. In most of the cases dislocations of both ends of the clavicle are treated conservatively. We recommend an operative treatment especially in young and active patients to avoid re-dislocation and to archive better cosmetic results.     

Floating clavicle after a high velocity biking accident: A case report of an acromioclavicular dislocation with simultaneous proximal clavicle fracture managed surgically

IntroductionClavicle fractures and acromioclavicular joint dislocations are very common injuries. However, the combination of both, known as “floating clavicle” is extremely rare, with approximately 40 cases reported.Presentation of caseWe report a case of a healthy 51-year-old male who suffered a high-velocity biking accident, with a bipolar clavicle injury (type IV acromioclavicular joint dislocation and proximal clavicle fracture), with concomitant rib fractures and pulmonary contusion. He received early surgical treatment by open reduction and osteosynthesis of the proximal clavicle (distal ulna plate, Protean®) and open reduction and stabilization with a MINAR® implant for the acromioclavicular joint. After an initial one-month immobilization, he started physical therapy. In the 10-month follow-up he presented with a pain-free full range of motion, a good cosmetic result, and radiological consolidation.DiscussionBipolar clavicle injury is a rare clinical entity that encompasses a spectrum of combined clavicle fractures, acromioclavicular or sternoclavicular joint dislocations. They are sustained in a high-energy context, and accompanying injuries must be sought. Diagnosis is made through X-Ray and CT. Despite the lack of clinical guidelines, most authors agree on surgical management of at least one of the injuries, with multiple surgical techniques available. There is an emphasis in surgical treatment of the young and active patient. Conservative treatment is associated with poorer results.ConclusionIt is advisable to have a high index of suspicion for floating clavicle in a high-energy trauma patient, given possible life-threatening injuries, and long-term shoulder sequelae. Surgery should be considered in a young and active patient.     

Safe surgical technique: reconstruction of the sternoclavicular joint for posttraumatic arthritis after posterior sternoclavicular dislocation

Posttraumatic sternoclavicular arthritis related to chronic ligamentous instability after posterior sternoclavicular dislocation represents a rare but challenging problem. The current article in the Journal’s “Safe Surgical Technique” series describes a successful salvage procedure by partial resection of the medial clavicle and ligamentous reconstruction of the sternoclavicular joint with a figure-of-eight semitendinosus allograft interposition arthroplasty.     

Bipolar dislocation of the clavicle or floating clavicle. A report of 3 cases

Bipolar clavicular dislocation is uncommon. It associates an acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular dislocation. The authors review the mechanism of this injury and discuss the treatment. Three patients presented after a trauma of the shoulder a floating clavicle. In 2 patients management was surgical. Abstention was decided for the fourth patient. The pathology of floating clavicle is not completely understood. Two hypothesis were made: 1) two dislocations occur simultaneously; 2) two dislocations occur one after another. Management still difficult. Indications must take into considerations the severity of the injury and the functional consequences in the acromioclavicular joint.     

Origin, diagnosis and treatment of sternoclavicular joint dislocation

Traumatic dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint is very uncommon (1,5% of all dislocation, 10% of all dislocations in clavicular joints; ratio acromioclavicular dislocations: sternoclavicular dislocations = 5-10:1). The functional importance of this joint requires open reduction with reconstruction of its ruptured ligaments and the disc. The sternoclavicular joint can be dislocated in association with congential, developmental, degenerative and inflammatory processes (M. Friedrich, rheumatoid arthritis). Epiphyseal separations or fractures of the medial end of the clavicle can usually be treated conservatively, but interposition of the joint capsule between the fragments may cause the dislocation to be irreducible. In addition to clinical examination and anteroposterior of oblique posteroanterior X-rays, tomography, computed tomography and arthrography can be of help in diagnosis. Additional special X-ray pictures as suggested by Heinig, Hobbs and Kattan are very helpful in determining the degree of dislocation (Allman). If open reduction is necessary, the functional importance of the disc and the angle of inclination of the joint socket must be taken into consideration.     

Carbon fiber replacement of the ligaments of the shoulder girdle and the treatment of lateral instability of the ankle joint

A normal active human being will not accept chronic instability or persistent luxation of any joint. Many attempts have been made to stabilize a damaged joint with autogeneic and allogeneic materials and by various surgical techniques. In animal and clinical trials, carbon fibers are reported to be a promising material for ligament replacement in chronic joint instability. The authors are investigating carbon fibers not only for repair of chronic instability of knee joints but also for chronic luxations and subluxations of the sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, and ankle joints. For long-term stability of the new ligament, carbon fibers must be implanted in cancellous bone channels. Ingrowth of connective tissue and newly formed bone produces a secure ligament anchorage. A temporary tension band wire loop immobilizes the sternoclavicular or acromioclavicular joint. The ankle ligament replacements are immobilized with a weight-bearing plaster boot for six weeks postoperation. The use of carbon fibers as a ligament replacement in the sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, and ankle joints produces favorable functions and stability. Reconstruction of the normal ligament insertions of a joint is essential, particularly with respect to supination and free range of movement. Of 56 cases with lateral chronic instability of the ankle, 51 with a mean average postoperative follow-up period of two years, 49 had subjectively good results. Stable joints were demonstrable in 48 cases; supination was limited in four cases.     

Pseudo-dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint

Fractures of the medial third of the clavicle are the rarest of all clavicle fractures. We present two cases of medial clavicle fracture nonunions that were initially thought to be chronic anterior sternoclavicular dislocations and describe the entity of pseudo-dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint. Computed tomography should be performed on all patients with suspected or established injuries of the sternoclavicular region to ensure differentiation between fracture and dislocation.     

Sternoclavicular joint reconstruction--a systematic review

Background: Dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint is a rare injury that has a low incidence of signifcant long-term symptoms. Surgical reconstruction of the joint is indicated in patients with symptomatic, chronic anterior instability or with irreducible or recurrent posterior instability. There have been many reported techniques for stabilization of the joint, but few investigators have reported more than several cases. The ideal reconstruction has not been identifed. Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to perform a systematic review of the available literature with the objective of identifying one technique of sternoclavicular reconstruction that could be recommended. Methods: A systematic review of literature pertaining to treatment of sternoclavicular joint injuries was performed, focusing on clinical reports with at least six patients and 1 year of follow-up. We also reviewed biomechanical reports pertaining to sternoclavicular reconstruction. Results: Six clinical reports and two biomechanical studies were identifed that met our inclusion criteria. Treatments described in the clinical reports included conservative treatment with a sling, repair of the joint capsule with provisional stabilization, and joint reconstruction with local tissue or graft tissue. One biomechanical study compared the strength of three reconstruction techniques. Conclusion: Reconstruction with tendon tissue woven in a figure-of-eight pattern through drill holes in the manubrium and clavicle is stronger than reconstructions with local tissue. The review of clinical reports suggests excellent outcomes with this technique, and it is recommended in cases of chronic instability. In cases of acute instability requiring open reduction or inability to maintain a reduction in a posterior dislocation, there is evidence that repair of the joint capsule is suffcient surgical treatment.     

锁骨钩钢板内固定术后肩部疼痛和外展受限的分析

目的探讨采用锁骨钩钢板内固定治疗锁骨远端骨折和肩锁关节脱位术后并发肩部疼痛和肩关节外展受限的原因。方法将60例锁骨远端骨折和肩锁关节脱位患者随机分为A、B两组。锁骨钩钢板外侧钩的安置采用两种不同方式：A组（30例）患者术中仅显露锁骨骨折断端及肩锁关节,不显露肩峰,锁骨钩钢板外侧钩于肩锁关节后方盲插入肩峰下进行固定;B组（30例）患者同时显露肩峰,将锁骨钩钢板外侧钩紧贴肩峰于骨膜下插入进行固定,以减少钢板钩部与肩峰之间软组织嵌入。对两组术后出现患侧肩关节疼痛不适及外展受限发生率进行组间对比分析。结果 55例患者获得12-24个月随访,5例失访。肩关节疼痛及外展轻度受限B组28例中出现3例,发生率为10.7%;A组27例中出现9例,发生率为33.3%,两组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论术中充分显露肩峰,紧贴肩峰插入锁骨钩钢板外侧钩,使外侧钩部与肩峰紧密贴合,可减少其间软组织嵌入和肩峰与钢板钩部撞击,从而减少术后肩关节疼痛及外展受限等并发症的发生率。     

Ipsilateral sternoclavicular joint anterior dislocation with fracture of the mid shaft of the clavicle

Even though fractures of the clavicle are very common but fracture of the shaft of clavicle associated with sternoclavicular joint dislocation is extremely rare. This is a case report of a 50-year old woman who met with a road accident. Radiographs revealed right mid shaft clavicle fracture with inferior angulation of fracture fragments, anterior dislocation of sternoclavicular joint. The sternoclavicular joint was stabilized with sutures whereas the midshaft fracture was managed non-operatively. In postoperative period the sternoclavicular joint was found stable whereas the shaft clavicle united completely after 6 months.     

浮肩损伤

目的探讨浮肩损伤（floating shoulder injuries,FSI）的临床特征及治疗方法.方法回顾分析1999年6月至2005年6月收治的36例FSI的临床资料,其中肩胛颈骨折合并同侧锁骨骨折31例、肩锁关节脱位5例.患者均有不同程度的合并损伤,其中肋骨骨折、血气胸和（或）肺挫伤占88.9%.伤后至手术时间为3～43 d,平均9.6 d.术中首先复位固定锁骨骨折或肩锁关节脱位,然后采用改良Judet后方入路处理肩胛颈骨折.肩胛颈骨折合并锁骨骨折或肩锁关节脱位行一期内固定33例,术中仅固定锁骨骨折3例.结果术后随访6～69个月,平均19.7个月.肩胛颈骨折在目标区上均获解剖复位.根据Constant和Murley的疗效标准,术后肩关节功能评分为9～100分,平均81.3分,中位数为93%.按照Herscovici的疗效标准,优25例（69.4%）,良6例（16.7%）,可4例（11.1%）,差1例（2.8%）,疗效优良率为86.1%.术后复发血气胸1例,肩关节外展受限、肩峰下间隙疼痛3例,迟发性肩胛上神经损伤1例,肩关节不稳定继发创伤性关节炎1例.结论FSI使肩胛颈的解剖结构及其上方悬吊装置受到双重破坏,非手术治疗难以纠正不稳定型FSI的三维移位,早期切开复位内固定可取得满意疗效.     

Acute and Chronic Traumatic Injuries of the Sternoclavicular Joint

Acute and chronic traumatic injuries of the sternoclavicular joint require accurate diagnosis and management if complications are to be avoided. Sternoclavicular subluxation or dislocation, medial clavicle physeal injuries, and degenerative arthritis are the most frequently diagnosed of these relatively uncommon injuries. The medial clavicular epiphysis does not ossify until the 18th to 20th year. Knowledge of its developmental anatomy is essential because most physeal injuries will heal with time without surgical intervention. In contrast, posterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint requires prompt closed or open reduction, as posterior displacement of the medial clavicle has been associated with numerous complications, including respiratory distress, venous congestion or arterial insufficiency, brachial plexus compression, and myocardial conduction abnormalities. A myriad of procedures have been recommended for repair or reconstruction of the sternoclavicular joint. On the basis of the authors' experience and review of the literature, they advocate surgical resection of the medial clavicle, with maintenance, repair, or reconstruction of the costoclavicular ligaments, when surgery is indicated. Metallic-pin fixation of the joint should be avoided, as Steinmann pins, Kirschner wires, threaded pins with bent ends, and Hagie pins have all been reported to migrate and cause serious complications, including death.     

kinematic consideration of the shoulder girdle and its consequences on common surgical methods

Motility of the upper extremities is the sum of movements of an open kinematic chain made up of the hands and the lower and upper arms in the humero-scapular joints which are integrated in the closed kinematic chains of the bilateral symmetrical shoulder girdles. Each shoulder girdle assembles three kinematic links (scapula, clavicle, hemithorax), with three joints (sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, thoraco-scapular), creating a three-bar linkage. This linkage may be characterized as an effective transformer of motion with 11 degrees of freedom ensuring wide ranges of motions. This motion-transformer acts strictly as a guided linkage, allowing a precise reference between initial motion and functional result. The operative transfixation of acromioclavicular joints in the case of either dislocation or arthrodesis, also of the sternoclavicular joint reduces the degree of kinematic freedom from 11 to 8 and alters the shoulder as a motion-transformer into a rigid girdle with a variable length of support, with degeneration of the shoulder linkage. Surgical treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation with coraco-clavicular fusion using a screw as described by Bosworth produces osseus strain and a girdle under twofold static in determination (F = -2) with pressure forces causing bone deformation, loosening of the screw and fatigue fractures. This operation therefore cannot yet be recommended. Additional cadaver experiments with means of strain gauge cells have shown that lengthening of the clavicle by 0.5 cm increases the forces transmitted from the elevated arm to the hemithorax by 16%. Shortening of the osteotomized clavicle by only 1 cm leads to an increase of these forces by about 40%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

锁骨中段骨折合并同侧肩锁关节脱位：诊断要点分析研究

目的探讨锁骨中段骨折合并同侧肩锁关节脱位的诊断要点,为临床早期诊断该类损伤提供参考。 方法通过分析国内外文献报道的病例,并回顾性分析本科室随访病例,从年龄、性别、受伤原因、锁骨中段骨折及肩锁关节脱位分型等方面进行分析。 结果共检索到19篇锁骨中段骨折伴同侧肩锁关节脱位的英文病例报道、7篇中文文献病例报道,其中有清晰术前X线片的病例共22例。同时,回顾性分析了本院临床随访的2例该类病例,因此,最终有24例病例纳入分析研究。其中,男16例、女8例;最小年龄为19岁,最大年龄为65岁,平均年龄为37岁。大部分由高能量损伤所致（21/24, 87.5%）。锁骨骨折类型分型：19例（19/24,79.2%）属于A型骨折,5例（5/24,20.8%）属于B型骨折;肩锁关节脱位分型：IV型12例（50.0%）、III型6例（25.0%）,VI型4例（16.7%）,V型2例（8.3%）;9例（9/24,37.5%）患者有合并损伤。 结论对于高能量损伤导致的相对简单类型的锁骨中段骨折,需高度怀疑有无同侧肩锁关节脱位,诊断要点如下：（1）详细询问受伤原因,了解受伤机制;（2）对所有锁骨中段骨折病例,需观察肩锁关节处有无肿胀、皮下青紫,并对肩锁关节及喙突处进行压痛体格检查,如有压痛,则高度怀疑肩锁关节损伤;（3）需仔细观察术前X线肩锁间隙及喙锁间隙变化,如锁骨中段骨折为相对简单类型,且为高能量损伤者,需高度怀疑,建议加拍对照位片及患侧肩关节CT检查;（4）术中锁骨中段骨折固定后,常规透视同侧肩锁关节。     

Injuries of the acromio- and sternoclavicular joint--surgical or conservative treatment?

At the acromioclavicular (AC) joint we distinguish between horizontal instability caused by damage to the AC ligament from vertical instability caused by damage to the coracoclavicular liagments. The most common mechanism of injury is direct force resulting from a fall onto the point of the shoulder. The injury is classified according to the amount of damage brought about by a given force. Horizontal and vertical instability have to be evaluated by special radiographic views. Types I and II are treated by a sling worn for a few days and the application of ice bags. In type III injuries the patient's age, job and acitve pursuits determine whether or not surgery is indicated. In type IV-VI injuries we always perform the operation. We use a resorbable cerclage between the clavicle and the coracoid process and suture all torn ligaments. In the sternoclavicular joint too, the ligamentous stability is of the utmost importance. The sternoclavicular ligament limits the ante- and retroversion of the clavicle, while the costoclavicular ligament limits the upward movement. The direction of subluxation or luxation has to be evaluated by means of an oblique view X-ray with a cephalic tilt of the tube through 40 degrees or by a computed tomogram. In the case of an acute injury closed reduction should always be attempted. Open recuction should only be performed in cases of persistent posterior luxation, because of the numerous complications that are possible in such cases.     

Posterior Acromioclavicular Dislocation with Clavicular Fracture and Trapezius Entrapment

AbstractBackground: Posterior acromioclavicular dislocation is rare. Dislocation associated with fracture of the clavicle and simultaneous entrapment of the lateral end of the clavicle by trapezius muscle has not been reported. Posterior dislocation occurs frequently owing to forceful move of the scapula anteriorly and superiorly or from direct force applied to the lateral end of the clavicle and this may be associated with clavicular fracture. In acute dislocations, open reduction, internal joint stabilization and soft tissues reconstruction have been recommended.Case Study: Acute posterior dislocation occurred in a 32-year-old man. The lateral end of the clavicle was displaced posteriorly and inferiorly, and firmly entrapped in trapezius muscle. The clavicular fracture was undisplaced. The coracoclavicular ligaments were stretched but intact. Open reduction was secured with two smooth Kirschner wires. The disrupted soft tissues were repaired. The clavicular fracture was not explored. Shoulder movement started at 6 weeks. Wires were removed. 10 years later he had pain-free, unrestricted shoulder movement, and the radiographs showed wellreduced, essentially normal acromioclavicular joint.Conclusion: Open reduction, internal joint stabilization and soft tissue reconstruction will result in return and long lasting unrestricted pain-free function of the shoulder.     

肩锁关节脱位和锁骨远端骨折两种固定方法的比较

目的比较采用插入式锁骨钩钢板与克氏针加张力带钢丝内固定治疗肩锁关节脱位和锁骨远端骨折的临床疗效。方法回顾分析我院1997～2005年采用克氏针加张力带钢丝固定治疗的91例肩锁关节脱位和锁骨远端骨折及2002-2007年采用插入式锁骨钩钢板固定治疗的57例肩锁关节脱位和锁骨远端骨折。复位骨折或脱位后，前者用1～2枚直径为2．0或2．5mm克氏针由外向内经肩峰穿入锁骨外1／3附近上方出针，加用张力带钢丝加强固定；后者先将锁骨钩钢板的钩部插入肩峰下，然后将钢板体部用螺钉固定于锁骨上。结果前者91例患者中80例获得12～18个月随访，74例患者正常愈合，6例患者出现克氏针松动退出，导致固定失败二次手术。后者57例患者中51例获得12～20个月随访，51例患者全部正常愈合，无一例固定失败。结论采用插入式锁骨钩钢板固定治疗肩锁关节脱位和锁骨远端骨折操作简单、固定可靠、成功率高，符合生物力学要求，术后功能康复快，明显优于克氏针加张力带钢丝固定。     

Current concepts in the diagnosis and management of acromioclavicular dislocations

Not all complete dislocations of the acromioclavicular joint should be treated by one method alone. A classification of acromioclavicular dislocation is presented and is based upon the pathology of the injury. Grade I sprain results from a mild force that causes tearing of only a few fibers of the acromioclavicular joint. Grade II sprains are caused by a moderate force with a rupture of the capsule and acromioclavicular ligament. Grade III sprains result from a severe force that ruptures both the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments and causes a dislocation of the joint. Grade IV dislocation may be associated with an avulsion fracture of the coracoclavicular ligament from the inferior lateral clavicle, severe tearing or other injury to the soft-tissue envelope about the lateral clavicle, or a buttonhole injury of the lateral clavicle. Grade V dislocation refers to a posterior displacement of the lateral clavicle from any cause, while Grade VI relates to an inferior lateral clavicle displacement. Grades I, II, and most Grade III injuries can be treated conservatively. The indications for open treatment of Grade III injuries are reviewed. It is recommended that Grade IV and most Grade V and VI dislocations be managed with open methods.     

新型胸锁钩钢板治疗胸锁关节周围不稳定性骨折脱位的疗效观察

目的:探讨新型胸锁钩钢板治疗胸锁关节周围不稳定性骨折脱位的临床疗效。方法 :自2011年6月至2013年12月,应用胸锁钩钢板对32例成年胸锁关节骨折脱位患者进行手术治疗。其中男24例,女8例;年龄25~76岁,平均42岁;胸锁关节前脱位12例,胸锁关节后脱位5例,锁骨内侧端骨折10例,骨折合并脱位5例。胸锁关节前骨折脱位采用标准胸锁钩钢板,后脱位则在钢板钩的远端,即胸骨柄前方加用螺母和垫片,预防术后再脱位。根据Rockwood评分法评定疗效。结果 :患者手术过程中无并发症发生。术后复查X线片及CT显示胸锁关节解剖位置正常,内固定位置良好。32例均获得随访,时间6~24个月,平均10个月。术后3~6个月骨折达Ⅰ期愈合,胸锁关节无再脱位,锁骨内侧端解剖结构均恢复,功能满意,其中9例患者胸锁关节周围存在肿胀,但无疼痛等症状。Rockwood评分结果12.78±1.43;疗效优24例,良8例。结论:使用该新型胸锁钩钢板治疗胸锁关节周围不稳定性骨折,内植物固定确实可靠,安全性高,操作简便,为治疗此类创伤提供了一种可靠的方法。