Abstract :
Introduction: The floating shoulder is a rare complex injury involving fracture of the clavicle and the
fracture of the neck of scapula with concomitant disruption of the ligaments stabilizing the ipsilateral
shoulder joint. Most of the isolated clavicle or scapular fractures, as well as minimally displaced floating
shoulder can be managed conservatively, with reasonably good results. But significantly displaced floating
shoulder should be fixed surgically to obtain best functional outcome.
Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study the surgical fixation of 12 significantly displaced
floating shoulder was analysed. All were done as a single stage procedure from December 2014 till June
2019. The final assessment was done upon only those patients who have been followed for at least 9 months
post-operatively, using Oxford shoulder score (OSS).
Results: Most of the patient had no major complications postoperatively. The mean time for radiological
union of clavicle and scapula was found out to be 13.5 weeks and 9.1 weeks respectively. The mean Oxford
shoulder score was 45.9 in7 patients, 36.3 in 2 patients and 27.1 in 1 at the end of at least 9 months follow
up.
Conclusion: The surgical fixation of all the floating shoulders, especially significantly displaced, allows
for early rehabilitation and better functional outcome.
Keyword :
Surgical fixation, Floating shoulder, Fracture of the surgical neck of scapula, Fracture of the clavicle.