Abstract
Objectives:
To identify the demographics and characteristics of lateral clavicle fractures treated with coracoclavicular ligament repair or reconstruction, as well as to the subsequent postoperative complications.
Methods:
The United States Military Health System Data Repository was queried for patients with a Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction between October 2013 and March 2020. Radiographs were evaluated for the presence of a lateral clavicle fracture at the time of initial injury and classified based on the modified Neer classification. The electronic health records to include operative reports and clinical notes were then reviewed for patient demographics, operative technique, and clinical course.
Results:
A total of 965 patients underwent coracoclavicular ligament repair or reconstruction between October 2013 and March 2020. Forty patients (4.6%) were identified with concomitant lateral clavicle fractures. The mean age of 29.575 years (SD 10.1) of which 85% male and 80% were active duty. Based on the Neer classification, there were three type I, 18 type IIB, 12 type III, and seven type V. Twenty-two of these injuries were addressed acutely (55%), while 18 were managed chronically (45%). Open reduction internal fixation of the distal clavicle was performed in 16 of the 40 patients (40%). An equivalent distribution of concomitant coracoclavicular ligament repair versus reconstruction was performed amongst the forty total patients. Postoperatively, two patients went on to nonunion and seven patients had loss of coracoclavicular reduction. Five patients returned to the operating room for removal of symptomatic hardware (3), revision (1), and irrigation and debridement (1). At the conclusion of their fracture care, five (12.5%) of patients necessitated medical separation from the military.
Conclusions:
A small subset of coracoclavicular reconstructions performed in the military occur for a concomitant lateral clavicle fracture. The majority of military patients who underwent coracoclavicular ligament repair or reconstruction in the setting of a lateral clavicle regained full, pain-free range of motion. Although malunion and nonunion are known complications of this injury pattern, only two patients went on to develop these complications. However, postoperative complications were common, occurring in 25% of patients. At the conclusion of their fracture care, five (12.5%) of patients necessitated medical separation from the military.