Radiographically undetected coracoid fractures diagnosed by sonography. Report of seven cases

• Published in: Skeletal radiology Vol. 41; no. 6; pp. 693 - 698
• Main Authors: Botchu, Rajesh, Lee, Kwang Jae, Bianchi, Stefano
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.06.2012; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Acromioclavicular Joint - diagnostic imaging; Acromioclavicular Joint - injuries; Adult; Aged; False Negative Reactions; Female; Fractures, Bone - diagnosis; Humans; Imaging; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Middle Aged; Nuclear Medicine; Orthopedics; Pathology; Radiology; Reproducibility of Results; Scapula - diagnostic imaging; Scapula - injuries; Scientific Article; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods; Ultrasonography - methods; Ultrasound imaging; Sonography; Coracoid process; Fracture; Trauma; Shoulder
• ISSN: 0364-2348; 1432-2161; 1432-2161
• DOI: 10.1007/s00256-011-1277-1

Coracoid process fractures are rare and can be overlooked on routine radiographs due to the anatomical orientation of the CP and superimposition of adjacent bone structures. Early fracture detection reduces morbidity and allows for proper treatment. Sonography of the shoulder is usually performed for evaluation of peri-articular soft tissues. To the best of our knowledge, sonographic diagnosis of CP fracture has not been reported in the literature. We present a retrospective review of seven cases of sonographically detected coracoid fractures which were undiagnosed at previous standard radiographs. The US diagnosis was confirmed in three subjects, two with CT and in one patient with axillary view radiograph.