A Comparison between Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Plate Osteosynthesis and Plate Fixation in the Treatment of Clavicle Midshaft Fracture

Abstract

Purpose: To retrospectively compare minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) with open plate fixation for the treatment of clavicle midshaft fracture. Materials and Methods: Between November 2011 to May 2014, 40 cases that were followed for more than 1 year–among all cases of MIPPO and open plate fixation–were analyzed. The study population was divided into two groups: group A included 20 cases of MIPPO and group B included 20 open plate fixation cases. The comparative analysis between the two groups was based on the operative time, bone union, functional evaluation (American Shoulder and Elbow Society score), incision length, pain relief (visual analogue scale, VAS), and complication. Results: The bone union was successful for all the cases, and the functional evaluation scores of the shoulder joint were satisfactory for both groups (p＞0.05). The operative time was 47.5 minutes and 58.7 minutes for group A and B, respectively (p＜0.05). The incision length for group A was 6.2 cm and that for group B was 10.7 cm with statistical significance (p＜0.05). Pain relief (VAS) after surgery for group A showed a quick recuperation in the early stages. For complications, there were 2 cases of dysesthesia and 1 case of malunion due to metal fixation failure in group A. There were 6 cases of dysesthesia and 2 cases of cosmetic problem due to hypertrophic scar in group B. Conclusion: Surgical results of clavicle shaft fracture were satisfactory for both groups, but group A had advantages of shorter operative time, minimal incision length, and better pain relief in the early stages compared with group B. However, we need further evaluations with long-term follow-up results and complications, such as malunion and exposure on radiation.