Treatment of Midshaft Clavicle Fractures: Application of Local Autograft With Concurrent Plate Fixation

Abstract

Currently, open reduction–internal fixation using contoured plates or intramedullary nails is considered the standard operative treatment for midshaft clavicle fractures because of the immediate rigid stability provided by the fixation device. In addition, autologous iliac crest bone graft has proved to augment osteosynthesis during internal fixation of nonunion fractures through the release of osteogenic factors. The purpose of this article is to describe a surgical technique developed to reduce donor-site morbidity and improve functional and objective outcomes after open reduction–internal fixation with autologous bone graft placement through local autograft harvesting and concurrent plate fixation.