Floating shoulder with the lateral clavicular fragment impinging on parietal pleura: A case report

Abstract

In ipsilateral mid-clavicular and scapular-neck fractures, the mechanical stability of the suspensory structures is disrupted and muscle forces and the weight of the arm pull the glenoid fragment distally and anteromedially. To prevent late deformity we recommend internal fixation of the fractured clavicle. Fractures of the scapula are high-energy injuries. Clavicle fractures are common, usually being caused by a fall on an outstretched hand or a blow to the tip of the shoulder. Conservative treatment usually produces good or excellent results in injuries of the clavicle or of the scapula, but this is not so when both bones are injured simultaneously and when there is >2cm displacement of the lateral fragment of the clavicle. Several methods of fixation for lateral end of clavicle have been described. We treated this unusual injury with Intercostal drain insertion and Steinmann pin Fixation for the left clavicle fracture as there was impingement on the parietal pleura.