Clavicular fractures and acromioclavicular joint dislocations in lacrosse: preventable injuries

Clavicular fractures and acromioclavicular joint dislocations occur frequently in high school lacrosse players. This injury is restricted to attackmen who are struck in the clavicular region by the stick of the defensemen. The conventional foam shoulder pads with or without flexible plastic inserts worn by the attackmen did not protect them from this injury. On the basis of this clinical experience, a new protective shoulder pad containing high-density polyethylene over the clavicle and acromioclavicular joint has been designed and manufactured to prevent these injuries. Our initial experience with this new shoulder pad indicates that it will protect lacrosse players from clavicular fractures and acromioclavicular joint dislocations.