Operative Treatment of Bipolar Clavicular Dislocation: A Case Report

Simultaneous bipolar dislocation of the clavicle is uncommon and unusual, although it has been documented as panclavicular dislocation, floating clavicle, and complete dislocation of the clavicle. A review of the recent literature indicated that most bipolar clavicular dislocations have been treated non-operatively.

We report the case of a 23 year polytrauma patient with bipolar dislocation of the right clavicle. Patient presented to us 2 weeks post injury and had an unstable corao-clavicular joint. On radiographic assessment a simultaneous dislocation of the coraco-clavicular and sterno-clavicular joints of right side was diagnosed. In view of the unstable condition of the right clavicle, young age of the patient, requirement of high physical activity a decision for operative treatment for clavicle dislocation was taken. Patient was treated surgically with open reduction and tension band wiring with good result.

Although bipolar dislocation of the clavicle are rare a high index of suspicion will avoid missed diagnosis. Open reduction and internal fixation is a good option in young patients and gives good short term result.