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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
10:10
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
[Complex injuries of the shoulder - floating shoulder]
W Köstler1, P C Strohm, O Hauschild
1Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
Acta Chirurgiae Orthopaedicae Et Traumatologiae Cechoslovaca
|October 10, 2006
Summary
Floating shoulder injuries, rare complex shoulder injuries, involve discontinuity of the upper extremity from the skeleton. This review covers diagnosis and therapy for this instability, focusing on clavicle and scapula fractures.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Traumatology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Complex shoulder injuries are infrequent but can lead to significant disability.
- The "floating shoulder injury" is a specific type of complex injury characterized by disruption of the upper extremity's suspension from the axial skeleton.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for floating shoulder injuries.
- To elucidate injury patterns causing shoulder girdle instability.
- To integrate recent biomechanical findings into understanding these injuries.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of complex shoulder injuries.
- Inclusion of recent biomechanical studies relevant to shoulder girdle stability.
- Analysis of injury patterns and established therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- Floating shoulder injuries result from combined clavicle and scapula fractures, disrupting anatomical continuity.
- Instability of the shoulder girdle is a hallmark of this injury pattern.
- Effective management requires addressing both osseous and soft tissue disruptions.
Conclusions:
- Floating shoulder injuries necessitate a thorough diagnostic approach and tailored therapeutic strategies.
- Understanding biomechanical principles is crucial for successful surgical reconstruction and rehabilitation.
- Early and accurate intervention can improve outcomes for patients with these complex fractures.
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