Superior entrapment of the clavicle.
Three degrees of acromioclavicular separation are commonly recognized. A Type III separation with entrapment of the clavicle on the top of the acromion is frequently not recognized while in its acute phase and amenable to closed reduction. The sign of this type of acromioclavicular separation is an apparent Type III in which one cannot manipulate the clavicle. The acute case is treated by local anesthesia, manipulation, and splinting. The chronic case is treated by excision of the outer end of the clavicle. In 1979 we treated three acute and one chronic superior entrapment of the clavicle on the acromion. During this time interval 67 acromioclavicular separations of Grade I, II, and III were treated. This amounted to 6% of our acromioclavicular separations treated during 1979.
D000328:Adult; D002968:Clavicle; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008349:Manipulation, Orthopedic; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices