• Haiyang Xing, Changpeng Cao, Xinxiao Chen, Yang Gao, Guanning Huang, Jiajing Zhu, and Gang Wang.
• Department of Orthopedics, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China.
• Medicine (Baltimore). 2022 Jan 21; 101 (3): e28590e28590.

RationaleClavicle fractures are common, accounting for 2.6 to 4% of all fractures, which typically result from direct injuries, including direct force on the shoulder after falling. However, bipolar clavicle fractures are rare, accounting for only 2.8% of all clavicle fractures, and their injury mechanism is speculated to evolve from two independent and continuous forces affecting the clavicle. Due to its low incidence, there is great controversy regarding the treatment of this fracture, as there is no relevant treatment standard or guideline to date.Patient ConcernsIn this case report, we describe a rare case of bipolar clavicle fracture in a 76-year-old man with multiple systemic fracture complications due to a traffic injury. He presented with limited shoulder function and movement upon arrival in the emergency room.DiagnosisBipolar clavicle fracture in the right shoulder (Robinson type 1B2, Robinson type 3B2).InterventionsWe performed trans-sternoclavicular locking plate and lateral clavicular hook plate treatments and instructed patients to perform reasonable postoperative functional exercises.OutcomesThree months postoperatively, the pain was almost completely relieved with a DASH score of 40.0. Furthermore, radiographic examination of the clavicle showed satisfactory fracture healing. The patient had no further demands for shoulder function and no irritative symptoms of internal fixation and refused to undergo a second operation. The patient had a satisfactory prognosis after the treatment.LessonsThe treatment of bipolar clavicle fractures remains controversial. This study provides evidence of a feasible method to treat bipolar clavicle fractures: trans-sternoclavicular locking plate and lateral clavicular hook plate treatment.Copyright © 2022 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

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