Distal radius volar T plate versus distal clavicle pre-contoured locking plate in Neer 2b distal clavicle fracture; a randomized control trial study

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of current study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of distal radius volar T plate and pre-contoured locking plate in distal clavicle fracture. Materials and methods A total of 60 patients with Neer 2b distal clavicle fracture included in this study and undergone open reduction and internal fixation between March 2019 and November 2020 via two different plates; distal radius volar T plate and distal clavicle pre-contoured locking plate. All patients were followed at least two years post-operative. Union rate, time to union, need to device removal, and Constant-Murley score were assessed among them. ResultsIn all patients, bony union was achieved without wound related complication. The mean time to union in distal radius volar T plate group was 3.3 0.6 and 3.6 0.7 in pre-contoured locking plate (p value=0.14). The mean Constant-Murley score was 93.1 2.2 and 92.1 2.5 in T plate group and pre-contoured plate group, respectively (p value=0.09). Five cases with T plate and eight cases with pre-contoured plated were candidate for device removal (p value=0.53) ConclusionDistal radius volar T plate could be a reasonable choice to manage Neer 2b distal clavicle fracture as it restores functional range of motion with excellent bone union and without the necessity of device removal; beside its economical price.

Keywords

• distal clavicle fracture; distal radius plate; Constant-Murley score