Quadruple Disruption of Superior Shoulder Suspensory Complex With Proximal Humerus Open Fracture-Dislocation: A Case...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Trauma surgery
• Anatomy of the shoulder

Background:

• High-speed motor vehicle crashes are a significant cause of severe trauma.
• Shoulder girdle injuries can range from mild sprains to complex fractures and dislocations.
• The superior shoulder suspensory complex is crucial for shoulder stability.

Observation:

• A 34-year-old restrained passenger sustained severe injuries after a rollover motor vehicle crash.
• The patient presented with a type 5 acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation.
• The patient also had a comminuted intra-articular glenoid fracture extending to the coracoid process base, a displaced open scapular body fracture, a posterior glenohumeral joint dislocation, and a 2-part proximal humerus fracture.

Findings:

• The patient's injuries represent a complex pattern of trauma to the shoulder girdle.
• This specific combination of injuries, including the superior shoulder suspensory complex involvement and an open proximal humerus fracture-dislocation, is highly unusual.
• The severity of the glenoid and scapular fractures indicates significant force transmission.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for devastating shoulder injuries in high-impact motor vehicle accidents.
• Understanding this rare injury pattern is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective surgical management.
• Further research may be warranted to explore biomechanics and treatment strategies for such complex shoulder trauma.