Functional outcome of mid-shaft clavicle fracture treated with precontoured superior plate placement: A retrospective study

Abstract

In the olden days, clavicle fractures have been treated with conservative management like strapping and bed rest. Fractures of the clavicle are one of the most common injures of the human skeleton. This study was undertaken to observe the rate of union, functional outcome and complications of fracture middle third clavicle treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with precontoured superior plate placement. Methods: A total of 30 patients were operated with anatomical precontoured plates from December 2018 to December 2020 and functional outcomes were assessed through 6 months. Results: A total of 30 patients were included in the study. There were 27 males and 3 females. The mean age of the patient in the ORIF group was 31.03 years (age between 20 and 50 years). The mean time to union was 15 weeks. In our study, none of the patients had nonunion, implant failure and infection. Four patients developed scar hypertrophy, Three patients developed hypoesthesia below the incision site and one patient developed screw loosening. Conclusion: It is possible to obtain a good fracture union, less soft tissue stripping and good patient satisfaction with superior plate placement for fracture middle third clavicle.

Keywords

• clavicle fracture
• middle third
• open reduction and internal fixation
• precontoured
• superior placement