Os acromiale may be a contraindication of the clavicle hook plate: case reports and literature review

Abstract

Background

Os acromiale can be potentially missed or misdiagnosed as acromion fracture, and this can affect treatment determination if it is complicated with an ipsilateral shoulder injury. The clavicle hook plate is a widely used technique for distal clavicle injuries, leading to transacromial erosion, particularly when in the presence of os acromiale.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old man and a 78-year-old man who had limited mobility and severe pain in their right shoulders following falls attended the emergency center. Both patients were diagnosed with os acromiale with CT or MRI and acute distal clavicle fracture or acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Following a comprehensive evaluation, os acromiale may limit the application of a clavicle hook plate due to potential transacromial erosion. The distal clavicle fracture with ipsilateral os acromiale received treatment with a volar radius locking T plate, and the acromioclavicular joint dislocation with ipsilateral os acromiale was reconstructed using suture anchors. Both yielded satisfactory outcomes and voided transacromial erosion.

Conclusions

Ipsilateral os acromiale may be a relative contraindication to the clavicle hook plate. An axillary lateral radiograph is recommended to detect potential os acromiale in patients using a hook plate.