European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Clavicle fractures are common orthopaedic injuries, representing approximately 2.6% to 5% of all fractures, and they involve the middle third of the clavicle in up to 82% of fractures. Traditionally, these fractures were managed non operatively however, more recent literature has shown increased rates of non-union, symptomatic mal-union and unsatisfactory patient outcomes with non-operative management of displaced mid-shaft clavicle fractures. Anatomical clavicle plate is a plating system that is anatomically pre-contoured which assists in restoring the original structure of the patient’s anatomy with little or no bending of the plate by the surgeon at the time of surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional outcome of displaced fractures of the middle third of the clavicle treated with non-operative management and fixation with plating.
 
METHODS
The present study was carried out from November 2018 to October 2020. During this period 30 patients of clavicular fractures were treated surgically. All patients were operated with open reduction and internal fixation with anatomical clavicle plate. Regular follow up was done periodically to evaluate radiological union with x-rays and functional outcome with constant and Murley scoring.
 
RESULTS
Among the 30 patients the average patient age was 35.25 years. 40% with left sided fracture and 60% with right sided fracture. Direct injury occurred in 90% and Indirect injury occurred in 10% due to fall on outstretched hand. In this study 80% united at the end of 12 weeks. 20% showed delayed union which united at the end of 16 weeks each. In this study 75% had excellent functional outcome, good functional outcome occurred in 10%, fair in 5% and poor in 10 during third follow-up at 24 weeks
 
 
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, bony union could be achieved with pre-contoured locking clavicle plate by reducing the complication rates in mid-shaft comminuted displaced clavicle fractures and functional outcome were satisfactory.
 
KEYWORDS Functional and clinical outcome; anatomical plate; fracture middle third of clavicle.