Shoulder Girdle Function Research Articles

Effect of Core Stability Exercises on Shoulder Pain, Muscle Strength, and Range of Motion in Female Swimmers With Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Background and Aims Previous studies have shown that core stability exercises reduce the applied force on the upper limbs in swimmers. However, the effect of these exercises on the range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, and pain in the shoulder of swimmers is unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of a core stability exercise program on shoulder pain, muscle strength, and ROM in female swimmers with shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS). Methods The study population consists of all female swimmers with SIS in Tabriz, Iran. Twenty eligible swimmers were selected and randomly divided into two exercise (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. The shoulder pain, ROM, and muscle strength were measured by the shoulder pain and disability index, a goniometer, and the bench press (One repetition maximum), respectively. The exercise group participated in a specific core stability exercise program. The data were analyzed in SPSS software, version 24 using repeated measures analysis of variance, independent t-test, and paired t-test for within-group and between-group comparisons. The significance level was set a t 0.05. Results After exercise, the amount of shoulder pain in the experimental group was significantly reduced compared to the control group (P=0.0001). It also had a significant effect on the ROM of the shoulder in this group. In addition, there was a significant difference in shoulder muscle strength in the experimental group before and after exercise (P=0.0001), but this difference was not significant in the control group (P=0.138). Moreover, there was a significant interaction effect of time and group in the shoulder girdle muscle strength (P=0.001). Conclusion The core stability exercises can reduce shoulder pain and improve shoulder ROM and muscle strength in female swimmers with SIS. Performing core stability exercises is recommended to reduce pain and improve shoulder girdle function in these swimmers.

Use of patient-specific guides and 3D model in scapula osteotomy for symptomatic malunion

BackgroundScapular osteotomy for malunion can lead to resolution of pain and functional improvement in scapula fracture sequelae. Understanding three-dimensional bone morphology and analysing post-traumatic deformity is the main step of planning and the key to success of the procedure. 3D models and patient-specific guides are a growing technology to enhance accuracy of planning and to assist during surgery.Case presentationWe report the case of a 50 years old male, complaining of pain and limited function after a malunited scapular body fracture. Clinical assessment showed a severe impairment of shoulder function with active and passive forward flexion limited to 80°, absent external rotation, and internal rotation limited to the buttock. X-rays and CT scan showed an excessive lateral border offset of 53 mm and complete displacement of the glenoid segment anteriorly and medially to the scapular body, with impingement between the lateral most prominent scapular bone spur and humeral shaft. Glenopolar angle was 19°, scapular body angulation on the sagittal plane was 12°. Corrective osteotomy was planned on a virtual interactive rendering and on 3D printed models. Patient-specific guides were developed to perform a body-spine osteotomy with removal of a bone wedge, and a glenoid-spine osteotomy; a patient-specific wedge spacer was used to hold the reduction during plate fixation. Follow-up up to 12 months after surgery demonstrated improvement in scapula anatomy, shoulder girdle function, and patient-reported outcomes.ConclusionsFor the first time in scapula malunion surgery, patient-specific osteotomy guides were succesfully used during surgery to perform osteotomies and to assist in reduction maneuvers.

Morphometric analysis of fully ossified clavicle bones in North Indian Population: A Study

The clavicle bone is an essential anatomical structure that plays a crucial role in shoulder girdle function, as it serves as an attachment site for various muscles and ligaments. The clavicle bone is also important in forensic medicine, as it is frequently used for age and sex estimation. The aim of this study is to perform a morphometric analysis of fully ossified clavicle bones in the North Indian population and compare our findings with previous studies. The clavicle is considered to be an important bone when dealing with sex differences in skeletal material. The present study included 84 fully ossified clavicle bones (42 right-sided and 42 left-sided) of unknown sex and age. Parameters like maximum length, acromial breadth and height, and sternal breadth and height of clavicles were studied. All measurements were taken with the help of a vernier caliper and measured in mm. The maximum length, height, and width of the sternal end of the clavicle were found to be higher in the left-sided clavicle, while the height and width of the acromial end of the clavicles were found to be higher in the right-sided clavicles. These variations could be due to racial, genetic, or mechanical factors. These findings may be helpful to orthopedic surgeons involved in the surgical correction procedures of clavicle fractures.

Modified Eden-Lange Triple-Tendon Transfer for Chronic Trapezius Palsy

Background: Trapezius palsy can occur due to traumatic or idiopathic spinal accessory nerve injury. As a result of trapezius palsy, shoulder girdle imbalance can develop and present as lateral scapular winging and diminished shoulder range of motion and function. The modified Eden-Lange triple-tendon transfer procedure is a notable salvage operation which can treat chronic trapezius palsy after failure of conservative and nonsalvage interventions. Indications: A 42-year-old right-hand dominant woman who underwent a cervical lymph node biopsy 3 years before presents with chronic left shoulder weakness, severe shoulder pain, and scapular winging. On presentation, she has failed conservative treatments and operative interventions including attempted spinal accessory nerve exploration and repair with ansa cervicalis autograft. Technique Description: A modified Eden-Lange triple-tendon transfer, using the Elhassan modification, was performed to treat the patient’s chronic trapezius palsy. The levator scapulae, rhomboid minor, and rhomboid major were sequentially transferred to the lateral scapular spine, central scapular spine, and medial scapular spine, respectively. Results: At interval follow-up, the patient was recovering well from her operation and with progressively improving range of motion and strength. Discussion/Conclusion: The modified Eden-Lange triple-tendon transfer technique is a salvage procedure for treating chronic trapezius palsy by anatomically reconstructing the force vectors of the native trapezius muscle. Effective restoration of proper scapular and shoulder kinematics via the triple-tendon transfer technique can result in improved pain and shoulder girdle function. The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Determinants of Quality of Life in Adult Patients with Chronic Non-Bacterial Osteomyelitis (CNO) of the Sternocostoclavicular Region (SCCH): A Dutch Single Center Study.

Sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis (SCCH), the main clinical manifestation of chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) in adults, is associated with various degrees of chronic pain and restricted shoulder girdle function. We evaluated the impact of CNO/SCCH on quality of life (QoL) and its determinants in 136 adult patients with this rare auto-inflammatory bone disorder using the Short Form 36, Brief Pain Inventory, Brief Illness Perception, Utrecht Coping List, and Shoulder Rating questionnaires. Data were compared with those of the general Dutch population, patients with chronic pain, fibrous dysplasia, or osteoarthritis. Eighty-six (64%) predominantly female (85%) patients with completed questionnaires were included in the study. Sixty-four (75%) had isolated CNO/SCCH. Mean delay in diagnosis was 3.0 ± 5.5 (SD) years, 90% had variable pain, and 84% limited shoulder function. Compared to healthy and chronically diseased reference populations, CNO/SCCH patients demonstrated significant impairments in almost all aspects of QoL, maladaptive illness perceptions, and ineffective coping strategies. For patients with >5-year delay in diagnosis, higher pain scores and limited shoulder function were identified as determinants for impaired QoL. Patients with CNO/SCCH reported significant impairments in QoL associated with clinical and psychological determinants. Clinical measures such as shortening delay in diagnosis, effective pain management, and psychosocial interventions targeting these factors should help minimize the negative impact of CNO/SCCH on QoL.

Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis of the Sternocostoclavicular Region in Adults: A Single-Center Dutch Cohort Study.

ABSTRACTSternocostoclavicular hyperostosis (SCCH) is a rare autoinflammatory bone disorder caused by chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO), which is associated with sclerosis and hyperostosis primarily affecting the sternum, the medial end of the clavicles, and the first ribs. Other areas of the axial skeleton may also be affected. The more severe synovitis–acne–pustulosis–hyperostosis–osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome is additionally associated with dermatoses and joint manifestations. This Dutch retrospective cross‐sectional single‐center cohort study characterizes the spectrum of clinical features in adult CNO/SCCH patients at the time of diagnosis. The only inclusion criteria was the availability of complete sets of clinical and imaging data systematically collected over three decades using in‐house protocols. Data from 213 predominantly female patients (88%) with a median age of 36 years at presentation were studied. The mean diagnostic delay was 5 ± 5 years. The main symptoms were chronic pain (92%), bony swelling (61%), and restricted shoulder girdle function (46%); 32% had palmoplantar pustulosis and 22% had autoimmune disease. The majority (73%) had isolated SCCH; 59 (27%) had additional localizations in vertebrae (19%), the mandible (9%), or both (2%); 4 had SAPHO. The prevalence of current or past smoking was high (58%), particularly for patients with palmoplantar pustulosis (76%). There was a significant relationship between delay in diagnosis and both the extent of affected skeletal sites (p = 0.036) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels (p = 0.023). Adult‐onset CNO is characterized by distinctive clinical and radiological features, but diverse aspects of its spectrum are currently not fully captured by a comprehensive classification. Delayed diagnosis is still common and potentially associated with irreversible structural changes and debilitating chronic symptoms, increasing the burden of illness and negatively impacting on quality of life. It is hoped that findings from this study will dispel confusion about nomenclature and classification of adult‐onset CNO and increase awareness of its distinctive clinical and radiological features, and thus facilitate early diagnosis and referral for treatment, which should positively impact prognosis by preventing disease progression, although this remains to be established. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Intra- and interrater reliability of the ‘lumbar-locked thoracic rotation test’ in competitive swimmers ages 10 through 18 years

ObjectivesMeasuring thoracic spine mobility can be of interest to competitive swimmers as it has been associated with shoulder girdle function and scapular position in subjects with and without shoulder pain. At present, no reliability data of thoracic spine mobility measurements are available in the swimming population. This study aims to evaluate the within-session intra- and interrater reliability of the “lumbar-locked rotation test” for thoracic spine rotation in competitive swimmers aged 10 to 18 years. This reliability study is part of a larger prospective cohort study investigating potential risk factors for the development of shoulder pain in competitive swimmers. DesignWithin-session, intra- and inter-rater reliability. SettingCompetitive swimming clubs in Belgium. Participants21 competitive swimmers. Main outcome measuresIntra- and inter-rater reliability of the lumbar-locked thoracic rotation test. ResultsIntraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranged from 0.91 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.96) to 0.96 (0.89–0.98) for intra-rater reliability. Results for inter-rater reliability ranged from 0.89 (0.72–0.95) to 0.86 (0.65–0.94) respectively for right and left thoracic rotation. ConclusionResults suggest good to excellent reliability of the lumbar-locked thoracic rotation test, indicating this test can be used reliably in clinical practice.

THE UTILIZATION OF MULLIGAN CONCEPT THORACIC SUSTAINED NATURAL APOPHYSEAL GLIDES ON PATIENTS CLASSIFIED WITH SECONDARY IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME: A MULTI-SITE CASE SERIES

Secondary impingement syndrome (SIS) is a common complaint in the sporting population particularly among athletes engaging in overhead activities. While symptoms may be present at the shoulder with patients complaining of SIS, spinal alignment or dysfunction can influence scapular positioning and overall shoulder girdle function. As an adjunct therapy to traditional interventions for SIS, thoracic high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) thrusts have been utilized and correlated with patient reported decreases in pain. Mulligan Concept (MC) thoracic sustained natural apophyseal glides (SNAGs) are an emerging treatment intervention utilized to treat patients with shoulder pain and dysfunction as the evidence supporting an interdependent relationship between the thoracic spine and the shoulder is growing. The purpose of this case series was to investigate the effects of one MC thoracic SNAG treatment session on subjects classified with SIS, while utilizing a classification-based treatment protocol. Seven subjects classified with SIS were treated utilizing a MC thoracic SNAG. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) was administered at initial evaluation, immediately following intervention, and at the 48-h follow-up to identify patient-reported pain during range of motion, manual strength testing, and special tests of the shoulder. Investigators collected the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) at initial evaluation and the 48-h follow-up to identify patient-reported dysfunction. Following one MC thoracic SNAG treatment (3 sets of 10 repetitions), minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) were reported utilizing the NRS. A decrease in pain during active shoulder abduction (ABD) was detected immediately post-treatment, and the NRS change scores for resisted external rotation (RER) and active ABD were statistically different and clinically important at the 48-h follow-up. Based on the results of this case series, thoracic SNAGs may influence short-term pain levels and shoulder mobility in the included subjects with SIS and support the concept of regional interdependence (RI) between the thoracic spine and glenohumeral joint. Continued exploration into the proposed benefits of the MC thoracic SNAG treatment as an adjunct therapy when treating patients complaining of SIS is warranted. 4 (Case Series).

Reliability of Performance-Based Clinical Measurements to Assess Shoulder Girdle Kinematics and Positioning: Systematic Review.

Deviant shoulder girdle movement is suggested as an eminent factor in the etiology of shoulder pain. Reliable measurements of shoulder girdle kinematics are a prerequisite for optimizing clinical management strategies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability, measurement error, and internal consistency of measurements with performance-based clinical tests for shoulder girdle kinematics and positioning in patients with shoulder pain. The MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases were systematically searched from inception to August 2015. Articles published in Dutch, English, or German were included if they involved the evaluation of at least one of the measurement properties of interest. Two reviewers independently evaluated the methodological quality per studied measurement property with the 4-point-rating scale of the COSMIN (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments) checklist, extracted data, and assessed the adequacy of the measurement properties. Forty studies comprising more than 30 clinical tests were included. Actual reported measurements of the tests were categorized into: (1) positional measurement methods, (2) measurement methods to determine dynamic characteristics, and (3) tests to diagnose impairments of shoulder girdle function. Best evidence synthesis of the tests was performed per measurement for each measurement property. All studies had significant limitations, including incongruence between test description and actual reported measurements and a lack of reporting on minimal important change. In general, the methodological quality of the selected studies was fair to poor. High-quality evidence indicates that measurements obtained with the Modified Scapular Assistance Test are not reliable for clinical use. Sound recommendations for the use of other tests could not be made due to inadequate evidence. Across studies, diversity in description, performance, and interpretation of similar tests was present, and different criteria were used to establish similar diagnoses, mostly without taking into account a clinically meaningful context. Consequently, these tests lack face validity, which hampers their clinical use. Further research on validity and how to integrate a clinically meaningful context of movement into clinical tests is warranted.

周術期頭頸部がん患者の手術側肩甲帯機能と主観的機能障害の関係性

周術期頭頸部がん患者の手術側肩甲帯機能と主観的機能障害の関係性

Arthroscopically assisted techniques for treatment of acute and chronic acromioclavicular joint injuries

Acute and chronic acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is frequently encountered in the routine clinical practice. This injury can lead to significant impairment of shoulder girdle function. Therapy based on the severity of injury is recommended to re-establish correct shoulder function. The static radiographic Rockwood classification is used to define the degree of dislocation but the clinical aspects and functional x-ray imaging of horizontal AC joint instability should also be considered for selection of the appropriate procedure. Rockwood grades I and II injuries are treated non-operatively with early functional exercise. The approach for Rockwood grade III injuries should be individual and patient-specific, with non-surgical procedures for low functional requirement patients with a high risk for surgical interventions. For patients with high demands on shoulder function surgery is recommended. A detailed diagnostic assessment frequently reveals Rockwood grade III injuries to be type IV injuries. Rockwood types IV and V AC joint dislocations require surgery for sustained stability. Treatment of acute injuries is recommended within 1-3 weeks after trauma but there is no clear evidence of a cut-off for the presence of chronic injuries. Various surgical techniques have been described in the literature. This article presents an arthroscopically assisted technique that addresses both vertical and horizontal instability of the AC joint.

Cosmin-based systematic review on the reliability of measurements with clinical tests to assess shoulder girdle function

Cosmin-based systematic review on the reliability of measurements with clinical tests to assess shoulder girdle function

The significance of the clavicle on shoulder girdle function

Patients with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) can have a congenital partial or total absence of the clavicle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional shoulder score in these patients. Patients with CCD who were members of a social media group were invited to take part in an Internet-based survey. The questionnaire was composed of 3 general questions, a question concerning partial or total absence of the clavicle, and 3 patient-based shoulder scores (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score; shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score; and patient-based Constant-Murley score). Thirty-six patients (27 women, 9 men) with a mean age of 40years participated in the survey; 17 patients had a bilateral absence, 16 patients had a bilateral partial absence, and 3 patients had a total absence on one side and a partial absence of the clavicle on the other side. The average patient-based Constant-Murley score was 79; shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score, 11; and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, 93. There was no significant difference in the scores between left and right. There was no correlation between partial and total absences and the shoulder scores. Patients with self-reported CCD are subjectively normal to their peers when they are evaluated with 3 common shoulder scores. There was no correlation between partial and total absences and the shoulder scores.

Anatomic Reconstruction of Chronic Coracoclavicular Ligament Tears: Arthroscopic-Assisted Approach With Nonrigid Mechanical Fixation and Graft Augmentation

It has recently been suggested that all coracoclavicular ligament tears could be considered for surgery because nonoperative management might result in irreversible changes in the scapular position that could lead to muscle kinematic alterations that would perturb the shoulder girdle function and result in pain. In this technical note we describe an anatomic technique for the treatment of chronic coracoclavicular ligament tears that overcomes the issues related to open surgery, metal hardware, the inferior resistance to secondary displacement of only grafting and nonanatomic techniques, and the saw effect and anterior loop translation that can be seen in systems that surround the base of the coracoid. Our technique incorporates the use of a tendon graft and a nonrigid mechanical stabilizer that protects the graft from stretching during the process of healing and integration into bone, guaranteeing the maintenance of a reduced acromioclavicular joint.

Long-term clinical outcomes, motion, strength, and function after total claviculectomy

Total excision of the clavicle is rarely performed. No previous study has documented long-term outcomes with objective measurements of strength, motion, and patient-centered outcomes. We present the long-term consequences of total claviculectomy on shoulder girdle function, global upper extremity function, and overall general health. Five total claviculectomy patients were evaluated at 2 time points (2005 and 2010, mean 4.8 and 9.4 years postoperatively) by use of the DASH, SF-36, Simple Shoulder Test, ASES, UCLA, HSS, and Constant shoulder scores. Isokinetic strength, clinical range of motion, and kinematic analysis were performed on each limb pair. All clinical scores allowing side-to-side comparison were poorer for the aclaviculate side, with significance reached for 2005 ASES scores and 2010 ASES, UCLA, HSS, and Constant scores. DASH scores and SF-36 scores were not significantly inferior to age- and sex-matched population norms. Deficits in strength were present in the aclaviculate limbs, with significance reached for adduction in 2005 and for forward flexion and external rotation in 2010. Kinematic and clinical range of motion analysis revealed scapular dyskinesis and significant deficits in external rotation in the aclaviculate limb. We found that the clavicle contributes to the strength, coordinated scapulohumeral rhythm, and overall range of motion of the shoulder girdle. Patients compensate for loss of the clavicle with minimal functional deficit. With time, patients gradually lose some compensatory ability as evidenced by deteriorating limb-specific, patient-centered outcome measures, diminished strength in certain planes of shoulder motion, and scapular dyskinesis at long-term follow-up. Despite objective deficits, these patients continue to have normal self-perceptions of overall health and global upper extremity function.

Clinical and Radiological Investigation of Thoracic Spine Extension Motion During Bilateral Arm Elevation

Single-cohort laboratory-based study. To measure thoracic spine extension motion during bilateral arm elevation using functional radiography and photographic image analysis. Impairment of thoracic spine extension motion may impact shoulder girdle function. Motion of the thoracic spine during arm movement has not been directly measured using functional radiographic analysis. In 21 asymptomatic men, thoracic kyphosis was measured in neutral standing and in end-range bilateral arm elevation, using lateral radiographs and photographic image analysis. Using both measurement techniques, the difference in thoracic kyphosis between the 2 body positions was used to quantify the range of extension motion of the thoracic spine. Bland-Altman plots were used to examine the agreement between measurement techniques. The relationship between the amount of thoracic kyphosis in neutral standing and kyphosis in full bilateral arm elevation was also examined. The mean ± SD increase in thoracic extension with bilateral arm elevation was 12.8° ± 7.6° and 10.5° ± 4.4°, when measured from the radiographs and photographs, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the radiographic and photographic measurements of the amount of thoracic kyphosis measured in neutral posture (r = 0.71, P<.01) and for the kyphosis measured in full bilateral arm elevation (r = 0.79, P<.001). The mean difference between the 2 measurement techniques was 2.1° for kyphosis measured in neutral posture and 0.5° when measured in full bilateral arm elevation. The thoracic kyphosis angle measured in neutral posture was strongly correlated with the thoracic kyphosis angle measured in full bilateral arm elevation when measured with both radiographic (r = 0.80, P<.001) and photographic (r = 0.84, P<.001) techniques. In asymptomatic men, bilateral arm elevation is associated with movement of the thoracic spine toward extension, but the amount of movement is variable among individuals.

Temporoparietal fascia free flap for pharyngeal coverage after salvage total laryngectomy

The aim of this study was to assess whether the use of the temporoparietal fascia as a free flap for pharyngeal closure reinforcement reduced the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) in the salvage setting. Consecutive case series. After research ethics board approval, 12 patients who required salvage laryngectomy, including reinforcement coverage of the primarily closed pharyngeal defect with temporoparietal fascia as a free tissue transfer, were analyzed. One (8%) out of 12 patients experienced pharyngocutaneous fistula that responded with conservative wound packing. The PCF rate of 8% is significantly better than in similar salvage cases without flap coverage. Moreover, our PCF rate is comparable to the results shown for the pectoralis major muscle flap. The most obvious benefit of the temporoparietal fascia free flap for pharyngeal coverage in salvage laryngectomy is a reduced PCF rate with diminished donor-site morbidity, including cosmetic outcome, shoulder girdle function, and chest deformity.

흉추 자세가 견관절 가동범위와 3차원적 견갑골 운동학에 미치는 영향

Scapular position and motion are essential for normal upper limb mobility; Further, the posture of patients with thoracic kyphosis is related to shoulder girdle function and disorder. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of thoracic posture on the shoulder range of motion and on three-dimensional scapular kinematics. Thirty healthy subjects performed right-arm abduction along the frontal plane while standing in both erect and in slouched trunk posture. The scapular position and rotation, and shoulder and thoracic angles were recorded using a motion analysis system. The scapular upward rotation and internal rotation were significantly altered according to postural tatiges; however, scapular tilt was not affected. Shoulder angle was significantly decreased in the slouched posture as c rpared to tatt in the erect posture. Thus, a slouched posture(thoracic kyphosis) significantly affects the shoulder range of motion and scapular kinematics during shoulder abduction in the frontal plane.

Shoulder dislocation in a very-low-birth-weight infant: case report and review of the literature

Shoulder dislocation in a preterm infant is very rare. We report a case of a preterm infant, with gestational age of 25 2/7 weeks and birth weight of 910 g, with anterior shoulder dislocation after breech delivery. The infant was successfully treated with closed reduction. In general, long-term outcome of shoulder dislocation in these infants is good. However, prompt recognition and treatment of the dislocated shoulder are essential to maintain normal shoulder girdle function and to prevent functional disability.

The classification and surgical treatment strategy of double disruption of the superior shoulder suspensory complex

Objective To discuss the clinical characteristics of different types of double disruption of the superior shouhter suspensory complex (SSSC) and their surgical treatment strategy. Methods Fifteen cases with double disruption of the SSSC between May 2006 and March 2008 were retrospectively evaluated. There were 13 males and 2 females with an average age of 40.1 (20-55) years. There were seven cases of type Ⅰ which involved the scapular neck fracture combined with ipsilateral clavicular fracture; one case of type Ⅱ which involved the clavicular-coracoclavicular ligamentous-coracoid(C4) linkage injury; six cases of type Ⅲ which involved acromion-upper glenoid-coracoid fracture; one case of type Ⅳ which involved the clavicular-acromioclavicular joint-acromial strut injury. Twelve patients were treated operatively while the remaining three with critical associated injuries were treated conservatively. The clinical outcomes were evaluated according to the Constant score, Rowe score and Herscovici score. Results All cases were followed for an average of 13.2 (6-24) months. All fractures healed for a mean time of 10.2 (8-12) weeks. The mean Constant score for the surgical group was 91.3. The mean Rowe score for the surgical group was 92.9. The mean Herscovici score was 14.6. Conclusion The classification of double disruption of SSSC injury was established on Goss description. The surgical treatment should restore the integrity and stability of the SSSC in order to maintain the shoulder girdle function. Key words: Wounds and injuries; Acromion; Scapula; Shoulder fractures; Fracture fixation,internal