Midshaft clavicle fracture synthesis with twisted one-third tubular plate with anterior-inferior approach

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Published Sep 5, 2018
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Vol. 96 No. 5 (2018): Issue May 2018

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Maher Barsaoui
Houssem Kraiem
Maher Arfa
Khaled Zitouna

Abstract

Background:
Fractures of the clavicle are common and usually treated as minor injuries. The middle-third fractures account for 80% of all clavicle fractures. 
For many years, these fractures have been treated conservatively.
After recent studies, this traditional approach has been reconsidered pointing the need to operate in some cases.  
The aim of this study was to describe functional and radiological outcome of midclavicular fractures fixation using one-third tubular molded plate through an anterior inferior incision and to compare it to the outcome in the literature.   
   
Methods :
It was a retrospective study, using data gathered in 40 months from 38 cases of mid-shaft clavicle fractures treated operatively using one-third tubular molded plate with minimum perspective of 12 months. 

Results :
The mean age of the patients was 27 years with a sex ratio of 4.42.
8% of patients were suffering from diabetes. 58% were manual workers.
89% of fractures occurred on the side of the dominant limb, mostly after a domestic accident. In ⅔ of cases, the fracture occurred on the right side after an indirect injury.
No vascular or neurological complications were reported.
Fractures were most frequently classified Allman type I, AO type A1 and A2 and Edinburgh type 2A2 and 2B1.
The mean operative time was 55 minutes. Immobilization with a sling were recommended for 24 hours. The mean consolidation time was 53 days.
There was no postoperative complications and none of our patients underwent plate removal for infection. The mean Constant score at last follow up was 90.

Conclusion :
Operative treatment of mid-shaft clavicle fractures using one-third tubular molded plate allows avoiding neurovascular and skin complications with a low financial cost and helps patients, especially manual workers and young athletics, recover a normal shoulder function and return sooner to their usual activities.

Keywords:

Fracture ; Clavicle ; Midshaft; plate ; Pseudarthrosis ; Surgery

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