Bipolar dislocation of the clavicle

Bipolar clavicular dislocation treated with biological anatomical repair and reconstruction: A case report with a literature review of management options

Bipolar clavicular dislocation is rare, and therefore its management is contentious. With an increase of patient's physical demand and a near-normal shoulder function, there has been a shift in the paradigm of its management from a conservative one to a stabilized one of anatomical open reduction. Proposed methods of fixation have also evolved with the advent of more biological fixation devices, which elude implant or fixation related complications. This case report highlights the salient features of this rare case and details the management options along with the benefits of biological anatomical repair and reconstruction.

The Unique Bipolar Clavicle Dislocation: A Novel Reconstruction Technique and Case Report

A bipolar clavicle separation is defined as a simultaneous dislocation of the ipsilateral sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) and acromioclavicular joint (ACJ). This rare injury pattern is usually the result of a high-energy mechanism, such as a motor vehicle collision or fall from height. While there are several treatment options such as screw fixation, sutures, or plate fixations, there is no single standard approach for this infrequent injury. We describe a unique case of bipolar clavicle dislocation, specifically an anteriorly displaced SCJ and posteriorly displaced ACJ, treated with a novel surgical technique-a TightRope technique (Arthex®) and semitendinosus allograft.

Bipolar Injury of the Clavicle

Eleven patients with bipolar clavicle injuries, including dislocation of both ends of the clavicle, dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint with distal clavicle fracture, dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint with medial clavicle fracture, and segmental fracture of the clavicle, were retrospectively reviewed. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical outcomes and a literature review of bipolar clavicle injury. Nonoperative treatment was performed for 5 patients and surgical treatment for 6 patients. The fracture or dislocation of the lateral end of the clavicle was fixed with a hook plate, and closed reduction of the medial end was performed; if the dislocation was still present, open reduction and anterior sternoclavicular ligament repair was performed. Visual analog scale pain score, Constant score, active range of motion, and radiological images were evaluated. The mean visual analog scale pain score for all patients was 0.7±0.9 (range, 0-2). The mean Constant score for all patients was 89.7±7.6 (range, 72-96). The mean Constant score was 84.2±8.5 (range, 72-96) for conservatively treated patients and 94.3±1.9 (range, 92-96) for surgically treated patients. The mean Constant score was 83.4±7.2 (range, 72-92) for patients in whom optimal reduction of 1 or both ends was not achieved. Residual pain or deformity was seen in 5 patients. The authors suggest operative treatment of bipolar clavicle injuries in younger, active patients when anatomical reduction cannot be achieved and residual deformity, pain, or functional limitations are unacceptable. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(5):e681-e688.].

Bipolar Dislocation of the Clavicle: A Report of Two Cases with Different Injury Patterns and a Literature Review

Bipolar dislocation of the clavicle is a rare injury that is defined as a concomitant dislocation of the ipsilateral acromioclavicular joint and sternoclavicular joint. This injury is also described as a floating clavicle. Although this injury has been known for nearly two centuries, knowledge about it is limited and the treatment strategy remains controversial. Bipolar dislocation includes several combinations of both joints' injury types. We reported two patients with bipolar dislocation of the clavicle: one with an anterior dislocation and the other with a posterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint. After reviewing the currently available literature, we discussed these cases to highlight the necessity of a specific treatment approach that is modified based on the pattern of each joint's lesion.

Traumatic Floating Clavicle- A case report

Introduction:

Shoulder injuries after high velocity trauma are common. Clavicle is affected in almost half of these cases. Even so, bipolar dislocation of the clavicle is an unusual injury and seldom reported in the literature. Conservative management is used for almost all the cases and only selected cases will undergo surgical treatment.

Case Report:

A 52 year old right electrician presented to the emergency department following a fall from a push bicycle. Plain radiographs identified a left first metacarpal (MC) fracture and a bipolar fracture of his right clavicle. Following Fracture Clinic review, significant deformity of the medial clavicle was noted and a CT scan showed anterior dislocation of the medial fragment. Given the degree of deformity and this functional requirement we felt that operative treatment was most appropriate for his unstable medial clavicle fracture dislocation.

Conclusion:

Surgical treatment of floating clavicle has an important role in the management of fit and active patients. It is important to identify the mechanism of injury and deforming forces in fractures and only after this to plan to neutralise these where appropriate.

Traumatic floating clavicle: a case report and literature review

Bipolar fracture dislocations of the clavicle are rare injuries, usually the result of high-energy direct trauma. Since the original description by Porral in 1831, only a handful of individual case reports and case series by Beckman and Sanders have been reported in the literature. Management of these injuries has remained controversial ranging from nonoperative to aggressive surgery. We report on the case of a young army cadet who had a fracture of the lateral end of the clavicle, with an anterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint. Despite being planned for surgery, at the patients request, it was decided to manage the lesion conservatively with graded physiotherapy. At one-year follow-up, he had full pain-free, functional range of movement of the shoulder. This young high demand patient had a good outcome with conservative management, despite going against the current trend towards surgical treatment. We present this case with a review of the literature, highlighting the various management options for this rare lesion.