Acromioclavicular joint injury - grade 4

Case contributed by Manu Bijoor
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Driver of a motor car traveling at unknown speed collided head-on with another car; presented with pain in right shoulder.

Patient Data

Age: 25 years
Gender: Female

There is disruption of the AC joint and superior displacement of the lateral end of the clavicle. Posterior displacement of the lateral end of the clavicle which is usually through the trapezius muscle, is seen on the axillary view.

Case Discussion

The case presented here is a type 4 acromioclavicular joint dislocation where the lateral end of the clavicle is displaced superiorly and posteriorly into or through the trapezius muscle.

Superior displacement of the lateral end of the clavicle signifies rupture of coracoclavicular ligaments, acromioclavicular joint capsule and deltopectoral fascia.

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