title: Arthroscopic treatment of isolated fracture of the posterolateral angle of the acromion.
abstract: Isolated fractures of the acromion are rare. Fracture avulsion of the posterolateral part of the acromion is even more rare. In 1996, a classification of Types I, II, and III was proposed, along with a recommendation for surgical treatment with open reduction and internal fixation for type III fracture. This report describes arthroscopic treatment provided according to a specialized technique that can be used for displaced avulsion fracture of the posterolateral angle of the acromion with reduction of the posterior subacromial space. This injury occurred in a 43-year-old recreational cyclist who injured his right shoulder through a direct blow. The fracture was exposed after the hematoma and the periosteum from the anterolateral portal had been debrided with a motorized shaver. The fracture was reduced by percutaneous pinning, and the position of the fragments was corrected and stabilized with the use of 2 pins--1 anterior and 1 posterior. In the medium part of the lateral fragment, a pin was introduced for implant of the titanium cannulated screw. After 3 weeks, the pins were removed; the screw was taken out after 2 months. Radiographs at 1 year after surgery indicated that bone union had occurred; further physical examination revealed a complete range of motion. The patient was able to return to cycling with no additional problems.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Pellegrini Hospital, Naples, Italy. raffrusso@tin.it
authors.forename: Raffaele
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vernaglia Lombardi
authors.forename: Gerardo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Giudice
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ciccarelli
mesh_terms: D000174:Acromion / Q000293:injuries*; D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D001642:Bicycling / Q000293:injuries; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome