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Epiphyseal separation of the coracoid process without acromioclavicular dislocation
1Department of Radiology, Sonderborg County Hospital, Denmark.
Skeletal Radiology
|October 9, 1998
Summary
A shoulder injury involving coracoid process separation, often missed on X-rays, can be diagnosed with CT scans. Early CT imaging is recommended for persistent shoulder pain after contusion to identify this specific injury.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Radiology
- Sports medicine
Background:
- Epiphyseal separations are uncommon shoulder injuries.
- Acromioclavicular (AC) sprains are common shoulder injuries.
- Coracoid process base fractures are rare.
Observation:
- A case report details an epiphyseal separation at the coracoid process base.
- This injury was associated with a Grade I AC sprain.
- Conventional radiography failed to reveal the epiphyseal separation.
Findings:
- Computed tomography (CT) successfully identified the subtle epiphyseal separation.
- The injury was not apparent on standard X-rays.
- The patient experienced significant intractable shoulder pain.
Implications:
- Early CT imaging should be considered for shoulder contusions with severe pain.
- CT can detect occult coracoid process epiphyseal separations.
- This aids in accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of shoulder injuries.