title: Fractures of the coracoid process.
abstract: We reviewed 67 consecutive patients with fractures of the coracoid process, classifying them by the relationship between the fracture site and the coracoclavicular ligament. The 53 type-I fractures were behind the attachment of this ligament, and the 11 type-II fractures were anterior to it. The relationship of three fractures was uncertain. Type-I fractures were associated with a wide variety of shoulder injuries and consequent dissociation between the scapula and the clavicle. Treatment was usually by open reduction and fixation for type-I fractures and conservative methods for type-II. At follow-up of the 45 available patients, 87% had excellent results, with no significant differences between the operative and non-operative groups or between the type-I and type-II fractures. We consider that operative treatment should be reserved for patients with multiple shoulder injuries with severe disruption of the scapuloclavicular connection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ogawa
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yoshida
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Takahashi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ui
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000145:classification* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012540:Scapula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D016896:Treatment Outcome