Fracture of the coracoid process of the scapula

Four cases of fracture of the coracoid process of the scapula are reported. Different mechanisms of injury resulted in different types of fracture. In the first case the injury resulted from a direct fall on te involved shoulder and the fracture was through the base of the coracoid. In the second case the fall was on the elbow and the fracture was of the avulsion type, at the tip of the coracoid and indirect in type. In the third case the fractured coracoid process was associated with fracture of the acromion and in the fourth case it was associated with a fracture of the clavicle, both combinations not previously reported. The importance of recently developed radiographic techniques is stressed. Conservative treatment appears to be suitable in most of the acute cases.