A 20-year-old rugby player falls directly onto the point of his shoulder. X-ray shows complete disruption of both the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments, with the coracoclavicular distance increased by 60% compared to the normal side. According to the Rockwood classification, this is:
- A Type I injury
- B Type III injury ✓
- C Type II injury
- D Type V injury
Correct answer: B. Type III injury
Explanation
Rockwood Type III denotes complete rupture of both acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments with the coracoclavicular distance increased between 25% and 100% compared to the contralateral side. Type II spares the coracoclavicular ligament, giving less than 25% widening. Type V shows more than 100% increase because the deltotrapezial fascia is also stripped, producing marked superior displacement of the clavicle. Types I to III are generally managed non-operatively initially.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.