Surgical treatment of middle third fracture clavicle in adults by pre-contoured locked plate

Abstract

Background: The clavicle is one of the bones that are most commonly fractured in the body. In adults, clavicle fractures represent 5–10 % of all fractures and 35 % of shoulder girdle fractures. Although most clavicular fractures may be treated nonoperatively, there is still a debate about the best therapy option for displaced mid-shaft clavicle fracture. Aim of the Study: To investigate the results of surgical fixation of displaced middle-third fracture clavicle by the anatomical pre-contoured locked plate in young adults. Materials and methods: This research involved 20 adult patients with a recent middle-third clavicle fracture. Results were assessed after 1 year according to the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, Hand score (DASH). Results: The average age of the patients was 37 years old (25 - 52 years), all of them were males, All the fractures achieved union at 9 weeks (8-14 weeks ) postoperatively with no cases of implant failure, The average DASH score became15.3, 18 patients had no disabilities (90%), 1 patient had a mild disability (5%), 1 patient had a moderate disability (5%). 18 patients (90%) returned to their work within 3 months postoperatively, with no cases of deep infection with 1 case of superficial infection. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of displaced middle-third clavicle fracture in young adults by pre-contoured locked plates is an optimum procedure resulting in excellent functional outcomes, with a quicker return to the normal activities.