Coracoid process fracture combined with acromioclavicular dislocation and coracoclavicular ligament rupture. A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

A coracoid process fracture associated with acromioclavicular joint dislocation and with rupturing of the coracoclavicular ligaments of an adult has been reported only once in the literature. This report adds another unusual case to the literature to reemphasize the importance of recognizing this unusual lesion. Two separate mechanisms--direct trauma to the shoulder girdle and sudden pull on the coracoid process by the conjoined tendons of short head biceps and coracobrachialis muscles--appear to be responsible for this unusual triple lesion. Open reduction with coracoid screw and acromioclavicular fixation, combined with an All-dredge repair to replace the ruptured coracoclavicular ligaments, resulted in an excellent outcome.