The floating shoulder: ipsilateral clavicle and scapular neck fractures

In ipsilateral mid-clavicular and scapular-neck fractures, the mechanical stability of the suspensory structures is disrupted and muscle forces and the weight of the arm pull the glenoid fragment distally and anteromedially. To prevent late deformity we recommend internal fixation of the fractured clavicle by a plate and screws. We treated seven patients with this unusual injury; all achieved an excellent functional result without deformity.