Coracoid process fracture

Changed by Nafisa Shakir Batta, 23 May 2016
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Coracoid process fractures are an uncommon type of scapular fracture. They do not often occur in isolation, and are are often associated with acromial, clavicular, or scapular fracture, as well as humeral head dislocation.

In general, the coracoid process tends to fracture at its base and and be minimally-displaced. They have been divided into two types:

  • type I: fracture proximal to the coracoclavicular ligament
  • type II: fracture distal to the coracoclavicular ligament

Epidemiology

Coracoid fractures represent <<1% of all fractures and 2-13% of scapular fractures1.

Treatment and prognosis

Since the coracoid process is important as a stabiliser for a number of shoulder movements, surgical management may be necessary for displaced fractures to avoid a painful nonunion2.

Practical points

  • the physis at the tip of the coracoid normally fuses at 18-25 years old
  • the physis at the base of the coracoid normally fuses by age 14-16 years old, but before this time it extends into the superior glenoid and can mimic a a fracture
  • -<p><strong>Coracoid process fractures</strong> are an uncommon type of <a href="/articles/scapular-fracture">scapular fracture</a>. They do not often occur in isolation, and are often associated with acromial, clavicular, or scapular fracture, as well as humeral head dislocation.</p><p>In general, the coracoid process tends to fracture at its base and be minimally-displaced. They have been divided into two types:</p><ul>
  • +<p><strong>Coracoid process fractures</strong> are an uncommon type of <a href="/articles/scapular-fracture">scapular fracture</a>. They do not often occur in isolation, and are often associated with acromial, clavicular, or scapular fracture, as well as humeral head dislocation.</p><p>In general, the coracoid process tends to fracture at its base and be minimally-displaced. They have been divided into two types:</p><ul>
  • -</ul><h4>Epidemiology</h4><p>Coracoid fractures represent &lt;&lt;1% of all fractures and 2-13% of scapular fractures <sup>1</sup>.</p><h4>Treatment and prognosis</h4><p>Since the coracoid process is important as a stabiliser for a number of shoulder movements, surgical management may be necessary for displaced fractures to avoid a painful nonunion <sup>2</sup>.</p><h4><strong>Practical points</strong></h4><ul>
  • +</ul><h4>Epidemiology</h4><p>Coracoid fractures represent &lt;&lt;1% of all fractures and 2-13% of scapular fractures <sup>1</sup>.</p><h4>Treatment and prognosis</h4><p>Since the coracoid process is important as a stabiliser for a number of shoulder movements, surgical management may be necessary for displaced fractures to avoid a painful nonunion <sup>2</sup>.</p><h4><strong>Practical points</strong></h4><ul>
  • -<li>the physis at the base of the coracoid normally fuses by age 14-16 years old, but before this time it extends into the superior glenoid and can mimic a fracture</li>
  • +<li>the physis at the base of the coracoid normally fuses by age 14-16 years old, but before this time it extends into the superior glenoid and can mimic a fracture</li>

Systems changed:

  • Trauma

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