Recurrent acromioclavicular joint dislocation with an associated coracoid fracture following acromioclavicular joint reconstruction

Acromioclavicular joint injuries are common and account for up to 12% of all shoulder girdle injuries and have been reported as being as high as 50% in sports-related shoulder injuries. While the majority of acromioclavicular joint dislocations can be treated non-operatively, there are certain injury configurations, which can include high-grade dislocations in overhead athletes, where surgery may be indicated. The surgical management of acromioclavicular joint instability has moved towards recreating the action of the coracoclavicular ligaments by resuspending the clavicle on to the coracoid. Multiple techniques using high-strength sutures, synthetic ligaments, tendon allografts or autografts passed either around or through the coracoid process have been described. However, an unusual, but significant, complication associated with these techniques is an iatrogenic fracture of the coracoid process. We report the case of a patient with an iatrogenic coracoid fracture following two failed acromioclavicular joint resuspensory reconstructions using a synthetic ligament. This injury was successfully treated with an autologous hamstring graft reconstruction, initially protected with a hook plate.