Clinical treatment of double or above disruptions of the superior shoulder suspensory complex

Abstract

Objective To summarize the classification and surgical treatment of double or above disruptions of the superior shoulder suspensory complex(SSSC)retrospectively.Methods From June 2006to March 2010,26 consecutive patients with double or above disruptions of the SSSC were treated and entered in the study,including 18 males and 8 females with an average age of 42 years(range,16-80).All patients received surgical treatment,these included clavicle fracture and scapular neck fracture in 9 cases (type Ⅰ),distal clavicle fracture or dislocation and coracoclavicular ligament and acromioclavicular joint injury in 10(type Ⅱ),distal clavicle fracture and other injuries in the SSSC in 7(type Ⅲ).The duration from injury to surgery was 6.4 days(range,3-10).Scapular neck fracture and scapular area dishes fracture were fixed with reconstructive plate and canulated screws,acromial fracture was treated with reconstructive plate and canulated screws,clavicle fracture was fixed with reconstructive plate or hook plate,coracoid fracture was fixed with canulated screw.All patients were treated with primary repair for ligament injuries.The surgery effect was assessed with Rowe and Constan-Murley systems after the fractures reunion.Results All patients were successfully followed up,and the average time was 18.7 months(range,12-32).Fractures were healed with an average of 8.2 weeks(range,6-12 weeks).There was no inferior shoulder knocking syndrome after surgery.Patients all felt shoulder in a stable status.Two patients appeared deltoid muscle power decline,3 appeared shoulder fatigue and aching pain.The average score was 89.7(range,71-97)according to the Rowe system.Eighteen cases were grade as excellent,5 as good,and 3 as fair.The average score was 92.4(range,70-100)according to the Constant-Murley system.Sixteen cases were grade as excellent,6 as good,and 4 as fair.Conclusion Double or above disruptions of the SSSC can be classified into three types,and surgical treatment with constructive plate and canulated screws for them is a good option. Key words: Shoulder joint; Clavicle; Fracture fixation,internal