Bipolar Clavicle Fracture: A Rare Entity of the Commonest Fracture - A Case Report

Bipolar clavicle fractures are a simultaneous injury to both ends of the clavicle and represent an exceptionally rare entity with an incidence of <1% of all clavicle fractures. Despite the clavicle being one of the most commonly fractured bone, involvement of both ends is frequently missed or misdiagnosed, leading to complications like persistent pain and compromised function. The rarity of these fractures has also led to a significant gap in established treatment guidelines. We present a case of a bipolar clavicle fracture with sternoclavicular joint dislocation treated successfully with dual-plate surgical fixation.

A 65-year-old male presented to the emergency department following a road traffic accident with injury to the left shoulder. Clinical examination revealed diffuse swelling and tenderness over both medial and lateral ends of the clavicle. Radiographic evaluation showed fractures at both ends with sternoclavicular joint dislocation. The patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation with dual-plate osteosynthesis, lateral end clavicle plate for the lateral fracture, and a double contoured distal fibula locking plate for the medial fracture and joint dislocation. The patient achieved solid bony union at both fracture sites with excellent functional recovery at 12 weeks.

Bipolar clavicle fractures require high clinical suspicion and comprehensive imaging for accurate diagnosis. Surgical management with dual-plate fixation provides superior fracture stability and functional outcomes. This case emphasizes the importance of educating orthopedicians and emergency physicians about this quaint injury pattern to prevent missed diagnoses and associated morbidity.