Acromioclavicular joint dislocation - Rockwood III

Case contributed by Domenico Nicoletti
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Fall from a horse. Right shoulder pain.

Patient Data

Age: 20 years
Gender: Male

Subtle elevation of the distal right clavicle, with suggestion of coracoclavicular widening.

Abnormal displacement of the fibrocartilaginous meniscus that appears hyperecogenic

On the T2-weighted sequences one appreciates abnormal displacement of the fibrocartilaginous meniscus that appears hypointense within the AC joint. The acromioclavicular and coraco-acromial ligaments are disrupted.

Annotated images showing the displaced articular meniscus. 

Case Discussion

In the dislocation type III is appreciable lesion of the acromion-clavicular and coraco acromial ligaments (periosteal sleeve in children, rarely in adults) with increase of coraco-acromial  space. Sometimes it can detect extra articular dislocation of the meniscal fibrocartilage.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.