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Clavicle Ligament
• Laterally the clavicle articulates with the acromion bone.
• The coracoclavicular ligaments are stout ligaments that arise from the base of the coracoid:
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1. The trapezoid (more lateral): inserts onto the small osseous ridge of the inferior clavicle.
2. Conoid (more medial): inserts onto the clavicular conoid tubercle.
• These ligaments are very strong and provide the primary resistance to superior displacement of the clavicle. Their integrity, or lack thereof, plays an important role in the decision making and fixation selection in the treatment of displaced lateral third clavicle fractures.
• Clavicle fractures in this location will often have an avulsed inferior fragment to which these ligaments are attached, especially in younger individuals.
• The capsule of the AC joint is thickened superiorly and is primarily responsible for resisting AP displacement of the joint.
• If one is inserting a hook plate for fixation of a very distal fracture, a small defect can be made in the posterolateral aspect.
