A retrospective study on surgical management of clavicle midshaft fractures by locking plate in tertiary care center

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome by surgical management of clavicle midshaft fractures by locking plate. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of thirty patients who were operated for midshaft clavicular fractures and treated surgically with locking compression plate and screws between January 2012 and June 2016 in Chirayu Medical College and Hospital Bhopal. The case files of these patients were retrieved from the Medical Record Department and data were analyzed. Results: Thirty cases of clavicle midshaft fractures were treated with precontoured locking plate. Average hospital stay was 7 days. The average time for fracture union was 10 weeks (8–12 weeks). Patients were followed weekly up to 4 weeks and then, after 2 and 6 months. The functional outcome according to Constant and Murley score is excellent in 18 patients (60.0%) and good in 12 patients (40%). There was no major complication, two (6.66%) patients had superficial skin infection, and one (3.33%) had nonunion. Conclusion: This study shows stable fixation with locking compression plate and screws for displaced middle-third clavicle fracture gives immediate relief of pain, prevents the development of shoulder stiffness, and helps in early rehabilitation.

Keywords

• clavicle
• fractures
• locking plate