Results of functional outcome of surgical treatment of fracture clavicle

Abstract

Introduction: Clavicular fractures are relatively common injuries because of its subcutaneous and superficial presence. The annual incidence of clavicle fractures is estimated to be between 29 and 64 per 100,000 populations per year. Males are affected twice as often as females. There is bimodal distribution in incidence of clavicle fractures. Material and Methods: Prospective study of 20 patients operated for fracture of the clavicle and followed for upto 2 years. All the 20 patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with precontoured plates and screws. Precontoured S shaped plate was used for middle 1/3 fractures and plate with lateral extension for lateral 1/3 fractures. Final follow up assessed with DASH score, Constant score and Nottingham score. Results: The mean age was 35.15±12.67years. Majority of our patients were in the age group 15 to 30. Out of all the operated patients 55% were males and 45 % females. 55% had road side accident while 45 % had history of fall from height. Commonest complication was stiffness found in 15 % of the patients followed by delayed union and hardware prominence in 10 %. Complication of infection and non union was seen in 5 % cases each. Average Constant score at that final follow up was 79.8 with maximum being 93 and minimum being 63. Conclusion: We conclude that operative fixation of shaft clavicle fractures with precontoured clavicular plate is a very good method for treating fractures of the shaft of clavicle. The overall prognosis in our study was very good with excellent improvement of symptoms following the procedure.