[Isolated coracoid fracture--open reposition and osteosynthesis--report of 3 cases].

UNLABELLED: Usually coracoid-fractures are "chain-injuries" in association with complex shoulder injuries. Isolated fractures of the coracoid process are uncommon. In the literature there is no consensus about the treatment. The conservative method is generally advocated. For better recognizing the particularities of coracoid-anatomy and fracture-analysis we performed dissections on cadaver shoulders and also evaluated a useful radiologic technique for diagnosis. Between 1995 and 1997 three patients with isolated displaced coracoid-fractures had open surgical repair. The postoperative course was very good in all three cases with complete recovery of shoulder function. DISCUSSION: We believe that isolated coracoid-fractures with infero-lateral dislocation and loss of function should sustain open reduction and internal fixation with functional after treatment.