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Traumatic isolated coracoid fractures in the adolescent.
Amol R Chitre1, Hiren M Divecha, Mounir Hakimi
1Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Royal Blackburn Hospital, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Haslingden Road, Blackburn BB2 3HH, UK.
Isolated coracoid fractures are rare in children. Conservative management led to excellent outcomes in two adolescent cases, suggesting this approach is effective for skeletally immature patients with these uncommon injuries.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Pediatric traumatology
Background:
- Coracoid fractures are infrequent injuries.
- Isolated coracoid fractures in skeletally immature patients are exceptionally rare.
- Current treatment guidelines lack consensus due to low incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report two cases of isolated coracoid fractures in adolescents.
- To evaluate the efficacy of conservative management for this specific injury pattern in young patients.
Main Methods:
- Case report of two adolescent males with isolated coracoid fractures.
- Radiographic and CT scan evaluation of fracture displacement.
- Conservative treatment including activity modification.
- Monitoring for union and return to function.
Main Results:
- Case A: Initial radiographs suggested displacement, but CT revealed minimal displacement after conservative treatment.
- Case B: Both radiographs and CT showed no displacement.
- Both patients achieved uneventful union with a full return to pre-injury function.
Conclusions:
- Conservative management is a viable and effective treatment option for isolated coracoid fractures in skeletally immature individuals.
- This approach facilitates fracture healing and ensures a complete functional recovery in pediatric patients.
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