Allman's 1967 instructional course lecture proposes a systematic classification of fractures and ligamentous injuries of the clavicle and its articulations — acromioclavicular sprains, sternoclavicular sprains, and clavicular fractures by anatomical thirds — and reviews treatment approaches based on injury grade, drawing on 120 AC sprains and 15 SC sprains seen over a decade.
When documenting or discussing clavicular fractures, use Allman's Groups I–III to localize the injury and anticipate risk — Group II fractures distal to the coracoclavicular ligament warrant closer follow-up for non-union, and associated ligament disruption (Neer Type II) should prompt consideration of operative fixation if closed reduction cannot be maintained.
For AC injuries, the Grade I–III framework immediately communicates ligamentous anatomy and drives the operative decision: Grade III with both AC and coracoclavicular ligament rupture is the threshold where surgical versus conservative management becomes a genuine discussion.
Allman's 1967 instructional course lecture proposes a systematic classification of fractures and ligamentous injuries of the clavicle and its articulations — acromioclavicular sprains, sternoclavicular sprains, and clavicular fractures by anatomical thirds — and reviews treatment approaches based on injury grade, drawing on 120 AC sprains and 15 SC sprains seen over a decade.
When documenting or discussing clavicular fractures, use Allman's Groups I–III to localize the injury and anticipate risk — Group II fractures distal to the coracoclavicular ligament warrant closer follow-up for non-union, and associated ligament disruption (Neer Type II) should prompt consideration of operative fixation if closed reduction cannot be maintained.
For AC injuries, the Grade I–III framework immediately communicates ligamentous anatomy and drives the operative decision: Grade III with both AC and coracoclavicular ligament rupture is the threshold where surgical versus conservative management becomes a genuine discussion.