Triple Disruption of the Superior Shoulder Suspensory Complex - Review and Surgical Technique

The shoulder girdle is composed of two arches, and these two arches are held together by the superior shoulder suspensory complex (SSSC), a ligamentous complex. Goss's 1993 description of the SSSC as a ring includes the glenoid, coracoid process, coracoclavicular ligaments, distal clavicle, acromioclavicular joint, and acromion. Goss also noted in a 1996 study that a rupture of the SSSC in two places can result in an unstable lesion. This case report presents an unusual association of fractures involving the coracoid process, acromion, and distal clavicle, which has rarely been reported in the literature. Indeed, a triple lesion of the SSSC is very uncommon and the treatment is still debated. Therefore, we propose a surgical technique which we believe to have provide good results.

A 54-year-old Caucasian male patient presented with Neer I distal third fracture of the clavicle, a displaced fracture of the acromion, and a fracture of the coracoid process following a left shoulder trauma after an epileptic crisis. The patient underwent surgery and has been followed for 1 year with good clinical and functional outcomes.

This case report highlights the complexity of lesions of the SSSC and the importance of determining proper surgical technique based on the type of lesion. It demonstrates that surgery combined with active rehabilitation can lead to good functional outcomes for patients with this type of injury. This report will be of interest to clinicians involved in the treatment of this type of lesion and should add a valuable treatment option for the treatment of triple disruption of the SSSC.