Abstract
We present a case of shoulder instability following a traffic accident. Allman Type I midshaft clavicle, Ideberg Type II glenoid and DeCloux Type I scapular body fractures were diagnosed following radiologic examination. There were no signs of ligamentous injury. Mechanical instability was noted at the shoulder due to breakage of the supportive bony skeleton. The patient was treated surgically with plate and screw fixation. Surgical fixation allowed early postoperative physiotherapy and rehabilitation. This rare injury and its treatment options are discussed in the light of current literature. floating shoulder, scapula, clavicle, glenoid, mechanical instability.
Highlights
A case of ipsilateral mid-clavicular, scapular body and glenoid fracture is discussed. This condition is known as “floating shoulder”, because of the inability to control the upper extremity due to mechanical instability resulting from the injury . 1,2,3 In such cases, mechanical stability of the suspensory structures that cover the shoulder joint are disrupted due to breakage of the supportive bony skeleton
Ipsilateral clavicle and scapular neck fracture combinations are described as floating shoulder
Recent biomechanical studies show that coracoacromial and acromioclavicular capsular ligament disruption is required for a floating shoulder diagnosis 3
Summary
A case of ipsilateral mid-clavicular, scapular body and glenoid fracture is discussed. This condition is known as “floating shoulder”, because of the inability to control the upper extremity due to mechanical instability resulting from the injury . 1,2,3 In such cases, mechanical stability of the suspensory structures (i.e., muscles and ligaments) that cover the shoulder joint are disrupted due to breakage of the supportive bony skeleton. The clavicle displaces laterally and the glenoid fragment posteromedially when the weight of the arm pulls the shoulder
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