Proximal humerus fracture and acromioclavicular joint dislocation

Proximal humerus fractures and injuries to the acromioclavicular joint are among the most common traumatic diseases of the upper extremity. Fractures of the proximal humerus occur most frequently in older people and are an indicator fracture of osteoporosis. While a large proportion of only slightly displaced fractures can be treated non-operatively, more complex fractures require surgical treatment. The choice of optimal treatment and the decision between joint-preserving surgery by means of osteosynthesis or endoprosthetic treatment is often a difficult decision in which both fracture morphology factors and individual factors should be taken into account. If endoprosthetic treatment is indicated, satisfactory long-term functional and clinical results have been achieved with a reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Injuries to the acromioclavicular joint occur primarily in young, athletic individuals. The common classification according to Rockwood divides the injury into 6 degrees of severity depending on the dislocation. This classification forms the basis for the decision on non-operative or surgical treatment. The indication for surgical treatment for higher-grade injuries is the subject of controversial debate in the latest literature. In chronic injuries, an autologous tendon transplant is also performed. Whereas in the past, treatment was often carried out using a hook plate, which was associated with complications, the gold standard today is minimally invasive treatment using Endobutton systems. This review provides an overview of the two injury patterns and discusses the various treatment options.