Clinical efficacy of ITS universal locking plate for treatment of comminuted mid-shaft clavicular fracture

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of ITS universal locking plate for treatment of comminuted midshaft clavicle fractures.Methods The clinical data of 74 patients with comminuted mid-shaft claviclar fractures,who were treated from Jan.2008 to Oct.2013,were retrospectively analyzed.The patients included 32 treated with ITS universal locking plate and 42 with reconstruction plate.The operation time,fracture healing time,postoperative Constant-Murly scores and postoperative complications were compared between the two treatment groups.Results Baseline data had no statistical difference between the two groups.The operation was successful in both groups,and the average operation time was(39.5±9.1)min in ITS universal locking plate group and(47.4±10.2)min in reconstruction plate group,showing significant difference(P0.01).No significant differences were found for the mean healing time([13.5±3.0]weeks vs[13.3±3.8]weeks)or the Constant-Murly scores([91.1±3.0]vs[90.2±2.7])between the two groups.There was no delayed union,nonunion,screw loosening,plate fracture or other complications in ITS universal locking plate group;while one patient had postoperative pain in his shoulder and three others reported difficulty in shoulder mobility.In reconstruction plate group,delayed union was reported in 3cases,nonunion in 1case,screw loosening in 3cases,plate fracture in 1case,postoperative shoulder pain in 4cases,and difficulty in shoulder mobility in 2cases.The total postoperative complication rates were significantly different between the two groups(13%vs 33%,P0.05).Conclusion ITS universal locking plate has a satisfactory effect for treatment of comminuted mid-shaft claviclar fractures,and it is superior to the conventional reconstruction plate.