Management of floating shoulder: minimum 3 years' experience

Background Between February 2000 and April 2009, 23 patients with floating shoulders, that is, double disruption of the superior shoulder suspensory complex underwent internal fixation of both the clavicular and scapular fractures. Patients and methods The mean age of the patients was 40 (18-57) years. All patients had associated injuries. We evaluated the clinical results using the Rowe score in 20 available patients after a minimum follow-up of 20 months. Results All fractures united, and the average time to union was 12 weeks for clavicular and 10 for scapular fractures. The mean functional result according to the Rowe score was 86. Conclusion Surgical treatment for double disruption of the superior shoulder suspensory complex, which is inherently an unstable and rare injury, is a good option, allowing early rehabilitation and improving the functional outcome.