The treatment of distal clavicle fractures with coracoclavicular ligament disruption: a report of 10 cases

OBJECTIVE: Fractures of the distal third of the clavicle with coracoclavicular ligament disruption have been associated with delayed union or nonunion. A combined surgical technique for the fracture fixation and ligament repair for acute fractures was developed. The technique includes K-wire fixation and suture anchor placement with Ethibond suture to the coracoid process. The results of this combined technique were evaluated. DESIGN: Prospective, consecutive case series. SETTING: Surgical treatment was performed at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology. PATIENTS: Ten patients with acute fractures of the distal third of the clavicle were enrolled with a mean follow-up period of 24.1 (range, 12-36) months. INTERVENTION: A single suture anchor was placed on the coracoid process in a vertical position. The Ethibond suture attached to the anchor was used to depress the elevated proximal part of the clavicle by pulling it down to the coracoid process where the anchor was placed. The suture was pulled over the proximal clavicle and tied. The distal fragment was fixed to the proximal clavicle by an intramedullary K-wire. The torn coracoclavicular ligaments were approximated using absorbable suture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The patients were evaluated by the Constant scores and Modified Shoulder Rating Scale. RESULTS: The mean Constant score was 96.6 points in the last follow-up. Nine patients had excellent results, and 1 patient had a good result, using the Modified Shoulder Rating Scale. CONCLUSIONS: This is a reliable technique with encouraging results for treating displaced distal third clavicle fractures with coracoclavicular ligament disruption.     

Arthroscopic Stabilization of Neer Type 2 Fracture of the Distal Part of the Clavicle

With regard to the anatomic basis of Neer type 2 fractures of the distal part of the clavicle, a clavicle fracture is associated with a coracoclavicular conoid ligament disruption. We describe an arthroscopic-assisted surgical procedure to stabilize the fracture and reconstruct the ligament. Surgery is performed with the patient in the beach-chair position. Through a 2-cm incision perpendicular to the direction of the fracture, we perform suturing around the fracture. During the arthroscopic procedure, the coracoid process is exposed by opening the rotator interval and the medial part of the capsule. The knee of the coracoid process should be exposed via an anterolateral portal for the arthroscope. Then, by use of an acromioclavicular joint stabilization device from Arthrex (Naples, FL), a hole is placed through the knee of the coracoid process. FiberTape suture (Arthrex) is passed around the clavicle and through the knee of the coracoid process. The intra-articular sutures are pulled out through the upper incision on top of the clavicle. Tightening of the 2 knots is performed at the same time. This arthroscopic-assisted surgery allows for total recovery of shoulder function, without the inconvenience of device migration or acromioclavicular joint lesions reported with other procedures.     

Arthroscopic fixation of type III acromioclavicular dislocations

Type III Acromio-Clavicular Joint dislocations can be treated successfully by surgical stabilisation in situ, with or without reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments. The authors describe a simple and reliable mode of fixation, performed arthroscopically. The technique can be used for in situ fixation, or as part of an arthroscopically assisted Weaver and Dunn procedure. Using a metallic anchor loaded with a braided polyfilament suture, a strong and reliable fixation of the clavicle to the coracoid process is obtained. No hardware removal is necessary. Concomitant glenohumeral pathology can be treated simultaneously.     

带袢钢板重建喙锁韧带与锁骨钩钢板治疗 锁骨远端骨折的病例对照研究

目的：探讨带袢钢板加爱惜帮缝线双束重建喙锁韧带和锁骨钩钢板治疗NeerⅡ型锁骨远端骨折的疗效差异。方法：2008年11月至2009年12月,采用带袢钢板加爱惜帮缝线双束重建喙锁韧带（A组8例）和锁骨钩钢板（B组10例）治疗18例锁骨远端骨折患者,其中男10例,女8例,年龄28～65岁,平均38岁。所有损伤均为新鲜损伤,X线表现为NeerⅡ型锁骨远端骨折,损伤至手术时间为2～5d,平均2.8d。所有患者受伤前肩关节活动均正常。术后第1、2、3个月对患肩功能用Constant Murley评分系统进行评分。结果：两组患者切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无感染发生,无臂丛神经损伤。X线提示,所有骨折在术后3个月时有连续骨小梁通过,证实骨折愈合。所有患者均获得随访,时间3～8个月,平均5.7个月。术后第1、2、3个月,A组Constant Murley评分分值分别为：（91.4±6.7）、（97.5±2.6）、（98.3±2.0）分;B组分别为：（70.1±5.1）、（89.0±7.6）、（94.2±4.6）分。在术后1、2、3个月,A组的肩关节评分均高于B组,差异具有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论：带袢钢板加爱惜帮缝线双束重建喙锁韧带治疗NeerⅡ型锁骨远端骨折,由于不影响肩锁关节,患者可以获得更好的肩关节功能,虽然这一固定方式是非坚强固定,但是所有骨折均愈合。这一技术的应用有赖于完整和坚强的喙突,在小喙突和骨质疏松的患者中可能不适用。     

Minimally Invasive Coracoclavicular Ligament Augmentation With a Flip Button/Polydioxanone Repair for Treatment of Total Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation

Treatment of complete acromioclavicular joint disruption remains controversial and ranges from rehabilitation to extensive surgical reconstruction. However, high-grade injuries (type IV, V, and VI) are typically treated surgically. Most reconstruction techniques addressing these injuries selectively focus on coracoclavicular ligament augmentation because it has been shown to be the primary stabilizer of the acromioclavicular joint. The conventional coracoclavicular polydioxanone (PDS) loop, which is widely performed, has been detected to have some pivotal disadvantages, including anterior subluxation of the clavicle, extensive preparation of the coracoid, and bony avulsion of the clavicle as a result of rotational clavicle movement. Therefore we present an augmentation technique that reduces these complications by replicating the orientation of the native coracoclavicular ligament complex and providing a minimally invasive subcoracoid and clavicular fixation of a double PDS loop by use of 2 flip buttons, typically used for extracortical anterior cruciate ligament graft fixation. The key step of the procedure includes the anatomic, secure, and stable placement of the double PDS cerclage under the coracoid base transferring a flip button through a coracoid bone tunnel. Our clinical experience shows that the presented technique is easy to perform and has a comparable invasiveness to recently presented arthroscopic techniques.     

Minimalinvasive Akromioklavikulargelenk-Rekonstruktion (MINAR)

Several studies have shown that augmentation of the coraco-clavicular ligaments with a suture cerclage is a reliable technique for the treatment of AC joint dislocations. The disadvantage of this technique is its invasiveness for exposing the coracoid process. The aim of this study is to introduce a new minimally invasive technique (MINAR) for reposition and stabilization of the acromio-clavicular (AC) joint by using a button/suture cerclage (FlippTack, Karl Storz, Tuttlingen). Indications for this technique are acute AC joint dislocations Rockwood III–V. The coracoid process is exposed by a 3 cm skin incision and with the aid of a special aiming device a hole is drilled for passing the button through the coracoid. The two buttons are then fixed with a 1 mm Ethibond® suture. Thereafter, one of the buttons is pushed by a special application device through the coracoid and flips underneath the coracoid thereby fixing the suture. The remaining button is pulled through a hole in the clavicle. After repositioning the dislocated joint, the construct is fixed by a surgical knot above the clavicle button. In this study, we were able to evaluate 23 patients with a follow-up of 23 months (range 18–28 months). The mean duration of the surgical intervention was 28.6 min. Peri- or postoperative complications (e.g., vascular or nerve damage, thorax injuries, infections, thrombosis, embolism) were not encountered. Secondary reluxations did not occur. In two cases, we observed a reposition loss of half a shaft width, which did not interfere with the clinical result. The Constant Murley score was 94 points (range 89–97 points). By using our minimally invasive technique for AC joint reconstruction (MINAR), the clinical results are comparable to those achieved by commonly used suture cerclage techniques. Hardware removal like in techniques using a hook plate, Bosworth screw or a k-wire cerclage is not necessary.     

Biomechanical comparison of reconstruction techniques for disruption of the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments

Injuries to the acromioclavicular joint are common. For selected injuries, operative reconstruction is recommended. The purpose of the current study was to compare three reconstruction procedures: (1) nine strands of woven polydioxanonsulphate (PDS II) suture passed through the clavicle and around the coracoid; (2) procedure No. 1 with 50% of the coracoacromioclavicular ligament placed through 2 clavicular drill holes; (3) No. 5 Merselene tape passed through 2 drill holes in the clavicle and acromion, with 50% of the coracoacromial ligament transferred to the clavicle. Fourteen fresh frozen human shoulders were tested using a 6 degree-of-freedom testing device. The intact shoulder showed significantly less displacement than any of the reconstructions. Merselene tape plus ligament showed the largest displacement, and PDS II braid plus ligament showed the least displacement. None of the procedures reconstituted acromioclavicular joint stiffness to intact state levels, though improved acromioclavicular joint stiffness was noted with a PDS braid plus ligament.     

Radiological study of the Asian coracoid process and clavicle: Implications for coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction

Purpose:Iatrogenic coracoid and clavicle fracture is a known complication of drilling bone tunnels during anatomic coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction(ACCR).This study aims to measure the dimensions of coracoid process and clavicle in an Asian population to evaluate the suitability of drilling coracoid and clavicle tunnels for ACCR in Asians.Methods:Width measurements of 196 coracoids and 189 clavicles were obtained after reviewing all computed tomography(CT)scans of the shoulder performed over a 6 years period.Coracoid measurements were made on the CT slice which showed the maximum cross sectional width of the coracoid base.Medial to lateral measurements of the coracoid width were taken on an axial view,4 mm above the identified junction of the coracoid base and glenoid base.Antero-posterior clavicle width was measured through a point directly above the midpoint of the coracoid and perpendicular to the long axis of the clavicle.Results:The overall mean coracoid width was 14.8 mm±2.54 mm(range 9.2e23.3 mm)and clavicle width was 17.1 mm±2.72 mm(range 11.1e25.3 mm).Conclusion:The Asian coracoid process is smaller than its Western equivalent.More research is required to validate this conclusion as no cadaveric studies with equivalent measurement techniques have been performed on Asians.Given the potentially narrower dimensions of the Asian coracoid process,extra precautions are required to minimize the risk of iatrogenic coracoid and clavicle fractures.     

The treatment of lateral clavicle fractures

This study assesses the results of surgical treatment of 15 displaced Neer type II fractures of the lateral clavicle in 15 patients, which occurred between November 1988 and March 1995 and which were followed up for a mean period of 4.6 years (range 2-9 years). The patients fell into two groups, one 'acute group' and one 'non-union' group.Patients treated initially by a non-operative approach had suffered prolonged morbidity and time off work prior to and after surgery. The ultimate result was good. The fixation used was a Dacron arterial graft as a sling around the clavicle and coracoid process. Delayed (non-union) cases were augmented with bone graft and inter-fragmentary screw fixation. All fractures eventually united.We question the place of prolonged non-operative management in the treatment of displaced Neer type II fractures of the lateral clavicle.     

Surgery for scapula process fractures: Good outcome in 26 patients

Background Generally, scapula process fractures (coracoid and acromion) have been treated nonoperatively with favorable outcome, with the exception of widely displaced fractures. Very little has been published, however, regarding the operative management of such fractures and the literature that is available involves very few patients. Our hypothesis was that operative treatment of displaced acromion and coracoid fractures is a safe and effective treatment that yields favorable surgical results.Methods We reviewed 26 consecutive patients (27 fractures) treated between 1998 and 2007. Operative indications for these process fractures included either a painful nonunion, a concomitant ipsilateral operative scapula fracture, ≥ 1 cm of displacement on X-ray, or a multiple disruption of the superior shoulder suspensory complex. All patients were followed until they were asymptomatic, displayed radiographic fracture union, and had recovered full motion with no pain.Patients and results 21 males and 5 females, mean age 36 (18–67) years, were included in the study. 18 patients had more than one indication for surgery. Of the 27 fractures, there were 13 acromion fractures and 14 coracoid fractures. 1 patient was treated for both a coracoid and an acromion fracture. Fracture patterns for the acromion included 6 acromion base fractures and 7 fractures distal to the base. Coracoid fracture patterns included 11 coracoid base fractures and 3 fractures distal to the base. Mean follow-up was 11 (2–42) months. All fractures united and all patients had recovered full motion with no pain at the time of final follow-up. 3 patients underwent removal of hardware due to irritation from hardware components that were too prominent. There were no other complications.Interpretation While most acromion and coracoid fractures can be treated nonoperatively with satisfactory results, operative management may be indicated for displaced fractures and double lesions of the superior shoulder suspensory complex.     

Arthroscopic Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction Using Biologic and Suture Fixation

Presented in this report is a modified arthroscopic approach to acromioclavicular joint reconstruction via suture and allograft fixation. An arthroscopic approach is used to expose the base of the coracoid by use of electrocautery. After an open distal clavicle excision is performed, clavicular and coracoid tunnels are created under arthroscopic visualization as previously described by Wolf and Pennington. The myotendinous end of a semitendinosus allograft is sutured to a Spider plate (Kinetikos Medical, San Diego, CA). The tendinous end of the graft is prepared with a running baseball stitch. A Nitinol wire with a loop end (Arthrex, Naples, FL) is used to pass 2 free FiberTape sutures (Arthrex) and the leading sutures from the tendinous end of the graft through the clavicular and coracoid tunnels, exiting out the anterior portal. One of the FiberTape sutures is retrieved with a grasper and passed over the anterior aspect of the distal clavicle. The second FiberTape suture and the allograft are passed over the distal end of the resected clavicle. While the acromioclavicular joint is held reduced, the FiberTape sutures are tied to the plate and the allograft is tensioned medially until the plate is embedded against the superior surface of the clavicle. The tendinous end of the graft is secured to the superior surface of the clavicle with a Bio-tenodesis screw (Arthrex) medial to the clavicular tunnel.     

Simple,minimally invasive surgical technique for treatment of type 2 fractures of the distal clavicle

Neer type 2 fractures of the distal clavicle have a high rate of nonunion and delayed union. A simple, minimally invasive surgical technique using suture fixation is introduced. In this series 12 patients were treated with suture fixation of this fracture with absorbable suture material, resulting in union of all fractures. There was a rapid return to function and no complications. This technique allows simple, minimally invasive fixation with good fracture healing and early return to work and sports.     

Bipolar fracture dislocation of clavicle: A report of osteosynthesis and early soft tissue reconstruction

IntroductionBipolar dislocation of the clavicle, also called bifocal or pan-articular dislocation or floating clavicle, is an uncommon traumatic injury. The injury of this case is also concomitant with distal third clavicle and coracoid fracture. This article aimed to report the experience of performing osteosynthesis and early soft tissue reconstruction on these injuries.Case reportWe reported a case of bipolar clavicle fracture-dislocation in concomitant with coracoid fracture in a man, aged 32 years old, successfully treated 24 days after accident by fixation of both fractures and early simultaneous reconstruction of sternoclavicular- acromioclavicular-coracoclavicular joints.DiscussionThese injuries are rare and capable of causing many complications if they are treated improperly. It is compulsory to carefully assess any fractured clavicle along its whole length, both clinically and radiologically. Various options, from non-operative to operative, have been reported to manage such of these cases. Early bony fixation and soft tissue reconstruction can correct the alignment of clavicle and recover the function of sterno-clavicular and acromio-clavicular- joints promptly.ConclusionFracture osteosynthesis and early soft tissue reconstruction can be regarded as an option treatment for bipolar fracture-dislocation of the clavicle to facilitate prompt treatment and early rehabilitation.     

Editorial Commentary: Acute Repair of the Acromioclavicular Joint Capsule and Ligaments and Deltotrapezial Fascia Could Allow Biological Healing of High-Grade Acromioclavicular Separation—Coracoclavicular Ligament Graft Augmentation Could Be Indicated if Time to Surgery Is Greater Than 3 Weeks

Surgical management of chronic acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocations is a matter of controversy. In the acute setting of high-grade acromioclavicular separation, if a surgical repair of the ACJ capsule and ligaments and deltotrapezial fascia could allow biological healing of the ligaments themselves, this could be enough to restore the functional biomechanics of the joint; unfortunately, this is not true for chronic cases. In the latter situation, a surgical technique using biological augmentation such as autograft or allograft should be preferred. Time is very important for this injury, and a chronic lesion should be considered when treatment is being performed 3 weeks after trauma. The graft should be passed around the base of the coracoid or through a tunnel at the base of the coracoid itself and then at the level of the clavicle as anatomically possible to reproduce the function of the native ligaments. However, some studies have shown that passing the graft at the base of the coracoid and wrapping it around the clavicle could also achieve satisfactory outcomes. An arthroscopic technique, when used in combination, could be great to treat the associated lesions, which have a reported percentage between 30% and 49%. Finally, to restore the biomechanics of the ACJ, however, reconstruction of the acromioclavicular superior and posterior capsules together with the deltotrapezial fascia seems to be very important.     

Management of acute unstable distal clavicle fracture with a modified coracoclavicular stabilization technique using a bidirectional coracoclavicular loop system

Background

Fracture of the distal clavicle is not uncommon. Despite the vast literature available for the management of this fracture, there is no consensus regarding the gold standard treatment for this fracture.

Purpose

To assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes and complications of acute unstable distal clavicle fracture when treated by a modified coracoclavicular stabilization technique using a bidirectional coracoclavicular loop system.

Methods

Thirty-nine patients (32 males, 7 females) with acute unstable distal clavicle fractures treated by modified coracoclavicular stabilization using the surgical technique of bidirectional coracoclavicular (CC) loops seated behind the coracoacromial (CA) ligament were retrospectively reviewed. Mean follow-up time was 35.7 months (range 24–47 months). The outcomes measured included union rate, union time, CC distances when compared to the patients’ uninjured shoulders, and the Constant and ASES shoulder scores, which were evaluated 6 months after surgery.

Results

All fractures displayed clinical union within 13 weeks postoperatively. The mean union time was 9.2 weeks (range 7–13 weeks). At the time of union, the CC distances on the affected shoulders were on average 0.9 mm (range 0–1.6 mm) longer than the unaffected shoulders. At 6 months after surgery, the Constant and ASES scores were on average 93.4 (72–100) and 91.5 (75–100), respectively. No complications related to the fixation loops, musculocutaneous nerve injuries, or fractures of coracoid or clavicle were recorded. One case of surgical wound dehiscence was observed due to superficial infection. Enlargement of the clavicle drill hole without migration of the buttons was observed in 9 out of 16 cases at a follow-up time of at least 30 months after the original operation.

Conclusions

Modified CC stabilization using bidirectional CC loops seated behind the CA ligament is a simple surgical technique that naturally restores stability to the distal clavicle fracture. It also produces predictable outcomes, a high union rate, good to excellent shoulder function, and a low complication rate. The buttons and suture loops were routinely removed in a second operation in order to prevent late stress fracture of the clavicle.

     

Tension band suturing for the treatment of displaced type 2 lateral end clavicle fractures

Introduction Non-operative treatment of Neer type 2 lateral end clavicle fractures presents a difficult problem due to the high incidence of non-union, delayed union and resulting shoulder girdle instability. Operative techniques described may require extensive soft tissue reconstruction, implant removal or lead to implant failure. Materials and methods We report a modified tension band suturing technique for the treatment of these lateral end displaced clavicle fractures that avoids these problems of extensive soft tissue dissection, implant removal or implant failure. Ten patients were reviewed clinically, radiologically and with Constant assessment score outcomes using the tension band suture for the treatment of these fractures. Results All the fractures had healed at a mean follow-up of 9.2 weeks (range 6–16 weeks) with a mean Constant score of 91 and the power was comparable to the normal shoulder using the Nottingham Myometer. Conclusion The results of this pilot study for treatment of Neer’s type 2 lateral end clavicle fractures are very encouraging. We do recommend the need for a prospective larger study of this technique for the treatment of Neer type 2 lateral end clavicle fracture to evaluate this technique further.     

Coracoclavicular stabilization using a suture anchor technique

Multiple fixation options exist for coracoclavicular stabilization, but many are technically demanding and require hardware removal. In the study reported here, we reviewed a specific fixation technique that includes suture anchors moored in the base of the coracoid process. We retrospectively reviewed 24 consecutive cases of patients who underwent coracoclavicular stabilization with a suture anchor for a type III or type V acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation or a group II, type II or type V distal clavicle fracture. Eighteen of the 22 patients had full strength and painless range of motion (ROM) in the affected extremity by 3 months and at final follow-up (minimum, 24 months; mean, 39 months). Two patients were lost to follow-up. Four patients had early complications likely secondary to documented noncompliance. Two of these 4 patients underwent reoperation with a similar procedure and remained asymptomatic at a minimum follow-up of 15 months. One patient underwent osteophyte and knot excision 7 months after surgery and remained asymptomatic at 30 months. Our results suggest that coracoclavicular stabilization using a suture anchor technique is a safe and reliable method of treating acromioclavicular joint separations and certain distal clavicle fractures in the compliant patient.     

Coracoid fracture combined with distal clavicle fracture without coracoclavicular ligament rupture: A case report

Distal clavicle fracture accompanied by coracoid process one is a rare injury. Surgical and/or conservative treatments are proposed. We report the case of a 49-year-old woman presenting a distal clavicle fracture associated with a coracoid process one due to a fall on the left shoulder. Both injuries are treated surgically. Per operatively, and through an anterior “strap” approach, the coracoclavicular ligament was seen intact. The distal clavicle fracture was fixed with K-wires and cerclage and the coracoid process was secured by a screw. Active-assisted rehabilitation of the shoulder was initiated 3 weeks after surgery. At the last follow-up of twelve months, the patient had painless full shoulder functions and X-rays show bony union. Early recovery to normal life is possible with surgical treatment in patients with distal clavicle fracture combined with coracoid fracture.     

双束Endobutton解剖重建喙锁韧带治疗肩锁关节脱位的早期随访研究

目的观察解剖重建喙锁韧带治疗Rockwood Ⅲ及以上肩锁关节脱位的临床疗效。 方法选取22例肩锁关节脱位患者,其中男15例、女7例,新鲜脱位16例,陈旧性脱位6例,Rockwood Ⅲ型7例、Ⅳ型1例、V型14例。手术方式选择为双束Endobutton解剖重建技术。分别于术后3、6和12个月行疼痛视觉模拟评分及Constant肩关节功能评分,摄双侧肩关节正位X线片,测量患侧及健侧喙锁间距。 结果此研究平均随访时间为（17.7±4.0）个月。疼痛视觉模拟评分从术前的平均5.0分下降到术后12个月的0.2分,Constant肩关节功能评分从术前的平均44.3分提高到术后12个月的93.7分。患侧喙锁间距从术前的平均21.0 mm下降到术后12个月的8.5 mm。所有病例随访过程中均无肩锁关节再脱位、锁骨喙突骨折等严重并发症发生。 结论双束Endobutton解剖重建喙锁韧带是安全可靠的新术式,其应用于Rockwood Ⅲ-V型新鲜或者陈旧性肩锁关节脱位的手术治疗取得了良好的临床效果。