Ossification of coracoclavicular ligament in complete paraplegia: a case report.

STUDY

DESIGN

A case report.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to highlight the possible etiological factors and functional implications of coracoclavicular ligament ossification in a man with paraplegia.

SETTING

This study was conducted in King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A 25-year-old man was admitted as a case of complete traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) at the T3 level for comprehensive rehabilitation after 4 months of injury. He also had a right clavicular fracture, which was managed conservatively. During his rehabilitation course, he complained of chronic right shoulder pain, which limited his activities of daily living, transfers and wheelchair mobility.

FINDINGS: His shoulder examination was unremarkable for impingement but range of motion was restricted, which rendered the need for imaging. A computed tomography scan showed ossification of coracoclavicular ligament, illustrating a rare synostosis between the clavicle and scapula. In addition to pain management, the patient was trained on shoulder conservation techniques for performing functional tasks and showed enhanced independence in various activities of daily living.

CONCLUSION

SCI has an association with neurogenic heterotropic ossification (HO), which usually develops below the level of injury. A low threshold for investigating HO may be considered at fracture sites even if they are above the level of SCI, for early prevention and treatment of this disabling complication. The abnormal cross-union between the clavicle and the scapula owing to HO can alter the mechanics of the shoulder girdle along with soft tissue injuries and early degenerative changes. Formation of shoulder HO can be particularly accelerated in SCI patients due to excessive use of upper limbs and to the neurogenic nature of the injury.