Treatment of acromioclavicular dislocations with a concomitant coracoid fracture: a systematic review of 37 patients

BACKGROUND: Acromioclavicular (AC) dislocations with a concomitant fracture of the coracoid process (CP) are rare and there is ambiguity on treatment options. This systematic review was performed to address the clinically relevant question: what are the shoulder functions, union rates, and expected time until return to daily life in patients with a dislocation of the AC joint with a concomitant CP fracture after (1) nonsurgical treatment, (2) sole fixation of the AC joint, and (3) fixation of both the AC joint and the coracoid process? METHODS: Studies were identified by conducting an online. Thirty records met the inclusion criteria and were suitable for data extraction. RESULTS: A total of 37 shoulders from 37 patients were included. Surgical treatment was provided to 22 out of 37 patients, and 15 patients had nonsurgical treatment. Out of the surgically treated patients, 12 patients were treated with a fixation of both the AC joint and the CP, 9 patients with a sole fixation of the AC joint, and 1 patient with a sole fixation of the CP. CONCLUSION: Existing literature does not indicate that one treatment option is superior, and more data are needed to guide evidence-based decisions on this rare injury.