Salter-Harris Type 1 coracoid process fracture in a rugby playing adolescent

Fractures of the coracoid process are uncommon and when they do occur, are often mistaken for injuries to the acromioclavicular joint. We report a case of a 15-year-old boy who sustained a Salter-Harris Type 1 fracture through his coracoid process alongside strain of the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments. Additional imaging, specifically MRI, was critical in both correctly identifying this injury as a coracoid process fracture and also in determining that conservative management was the best course of action. Optimum management of such injuries remains controversial, specifically with regards to skeletally immature patients. In our case, the injury was identified clearly on MRI and managed conservatively, with the patient making a full recovery and a return to contact rugby after 3 months.