Late Presentation of Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation with Double Fracture of Coracoid Process Managed by...

Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation associated with coracoid process fracture is an uncommon injury. Herein, we report a case with such a combination of injuries. This is the first reported case of its kind to be managed with an arthroscopic technique.

A 48-year-old female was injured by a direct fall on her right shoulder. Initial conservative management failed, which led to persistent pain and functional impairment. A late diagnosis of ACJ dislocation was made, necessitating surgical intervention. The patient was successfully treated using an arthroscopically assisted stabilization technique with tendon graft augmentation and an arthroscopic repair of a superior labral tear, which was diagnosed intraoperatively. Post-operative outcomes were favorable, showing the efficacy of this approach for managing such complex shoulder injuries.

This case signifies the importance of early detection of concomitant injuries of the superior shoulder suspensory complex in high-velocity ACJ injuries, which, when not diagnosed timely, necessitate complex surgical procedures later. This also highlights the possibility of minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques for managing late presentation of such an injury.