Pseudoarthrosis of a fracture of the acromion

Fractures of the acromion are rare. Conservative therapy in the majority of cases results in return to full function of the shoulder. Occasionally, however, a painful pseudoarthrosis will develop and surgical care is required. The American literature reports several cases of acromial fracture but has not specifically addressed the treatment of pseudoarthrosis with open reduction and internal fixation. We report such a case and review the American and European literature.