Latarjet fracture treated with a single endobutton: A case presentation

Abstract

Background: Avulsion fracture of the coracoclavicular ligament accompanied by upward displacement of the medial fragment of the clavicle represents a unique fracture pattern, first described by Latarjet and colleagues in 1975. Due to the function of the underlying articulations and the ligaments found in the area, this fracture pattern results in a combination of horizontal and vertical instability that must be taken into consideration when treating. Several surgical techniques have been proposed but none has been proven superior. Case summary: Herein, we present a Latarjet fracture of the distal clavicle treated with a single endobutton. A 45-year-old male underwent open surgical stabilization of distal clavicular fracture 15 days after trauma. After stabilization of the fracture, we applied a single endobutton, passing through the medial fragment, inferior fragment and coracoid process. The patient was observed for 14 mo postoperative, during which time he achieved union in all three fragments of the fracture and an excellent functional clinical score. Conclusion: In Latarjet fracture treatment, augmentation of the coracoclavicular ligament is the most important parameter for a favorable result.

Keywords

• Coracoclavicular ligament avulsion
• Distal clavicular fracture
• Latarjet fracture
• Endobutton
• Clavicle
• Fracture