Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2021 Jul;141(7):1091-1100.
doi: 10.1007/s00402-020-03496-2. Epub 2020 Jun 7.

Treatment of coracoid process fractures: a systematic review

Peter G van Doesburg  1 , Salih El Saddy  2 , Tjarco D Alta  2 , Arthur van Noort  2 , Christiaan J A van Bergen  3
Affiliations

Treatment of coracoid process fractures: a systematic review

Peter G van Doesburg et al. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2021 Jul.

Abstract

Introduction: The coracoid process is a small hook-shaped feature on the scapula and a key structure of the superior shoulder suspensory complex (SSSC). Fractures of the coracoid are rare. Therefore, no consensus exists regarding treatment of coracoid process fractures. Systematically review indications, outcomes and complications of traumatic coracoid process fractures in adults, and to provide a treatment algorithm.

Materials and methods: A systematic review was performed to identify all relevant studies on the treatment of coracoid process fractures. The methodological quality of the studies was scored using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS).

Results: Eight case series, with a total of 110 coracoid process fractures, were included. All studies were of moderate methodological quality. Of the fractures, 78% were Ogawa type I fractures, 13% Ogawa type II and 9% were unclassified. Conservative treatment showed good results in most Ogawa type II fractures and type I fractures without associated disruptions of the SSSC. Most Ogawa type I fractures with associated disruptions of the SSSC received surgical treatment showing good results.

Conclusion: Based on moderate quality studies, surgical treatment may be considered in Ogawa type I fractures with multiple disruptions of the SSSC. A conservative treatment seems sufficient in other fracture types.

Keywords: Associated injuries; Coracoid process fracture; Internal fixation; Open reduction; SSSC; Scapula.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Gil JF, Haydar A (1991) Isolated injury of the coracoid process: case report. J Trauma 31:1696–1697 - DOI
    1. Goss TP (1993) Double disruptions of the superior shoulder suspensory complex. J Orthop Trauma 7:99–106 - DOI
    1. Butters KP (1990) The scapula. In: Rockwood CA Jr, Matsen FA II (eds) The shoulder, vol 1. WB Saunders, Philadelphia
    1. Mulawka B, Jacobson A, Schroder L, Cole P (2015) Triple and quadruple disruptions of the superior shoulder suspensory complex. J Orthop Trauma 29:264–270. https://doi.org/10.1097/BOT.0000000000000275 - DOI - PubMed
    1. Leung KS, Lam TP (1993) Open reduction and internal fixation of ipsilateral fractures of the scapular neck and clavicle. J Bone Joint Surg Am 75:1015–1018 - DOI

Publication types

LinkOut - more resources