The treatment of double disruption of the superior shoulder suspensory complex

Between January 1997 and March 2000, we treated 13 patients with double disruption of the superior shoulder suspensory complex (SSSC). The mean age of the patients was 42 (20-63) years. All patients had associated chest injuries, but there were no injuries of the brachial plexus or the peripheral nerves. Three patients, whose general condition was poor, were treated conservatively. Five underwent internal fixation of both the clavicular and scapular fractures and five of the clavicle only. We evaluated the clinical results using the Rowe Score after a minimum follow-up of 1 year. All fractures united. The average time to union was 14 weeks for clavicular and 11 for scapular fractures. There was malunion in four of five scapular fractures treated conservatively. A functionally better result was obtained in the surgical group with a mean Rowe Score of 88, compared with the conservative group whose mean score was 77. Surgical treatment for double disruption of the SSSC is a good option, allowing early rehabilitation and giving good functional results.