Treatment of Triple Fracture of the Superior Shoulder Suspensory Complex / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

The Superior Shoulder Suspensory Complex (SSSC) is a bony and soft tissue ring comprising the glenoid process, the coracoid process, the coracoclavicular ligaments, the distal clavicle, the acromioclavicular joint, and the acromion. The SSSC maintains a normal stable relationship between the upper extremity and the axial skeleton. High-energy injury, such as traffic accident or a fall, can cause disruption of the SSSC. Single traumatic disruption of the SSSC is common. However, double disruption of the SSSC is infrequent and surgical management is generally necessary. We have experienced a case of triple fracture involving the coracoid process, the acromion, and the distal end of the clavicle. Such disruption of the SSSC has not been previously reported in our country and only one case has been reported in the Western literature; the authors obtained positive clinical results with surgical treatment. We report here on this case and include a review of the relevant literature.