Clinical outcomes of hook-plate fixation in the treatment of unstable distal clavicular fractures and acromioclavicular joint dislocations

Abstract

Background: Presented here is a case series assessing the outcomes following hook-plate fixation in patients with acute unstable (Neer type 2) fractures of the distal clavicle and acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations . Materials and Methods: A total of 38 patients fit the criteria of our retrospective study. The ages of the patients ranged from 17 to 50 years (mean of 28 years). Twenty-one patients had AC joint dislocations, whereas 17 had unstable distal clavicular fractures. The average follow-up period was 18 months (period from 13 to 23 months). Subjective shoulder scores (Constant Shoulder Score, Oxford Shoulder Score) were assessed along with radiological images. Results: No early complications, iatrogenic fractures, acromial osteolysis or other complications were found. The average constant score was 92.4 (range of 85-100); the difference between normal and abnormal sides was found to be Conclusion: Hook-plate fixation is an invaluable method of stabilizing acute unstable distal clavicular fractures and AC joint dislocations, resulting in high union rates and restoration of shoulder function.