Treatment of Acute Clavicle Fractures with an Anatomical Congruent Clavicle Plate

Abstract

Morbidity following un-united and mal-united adult clavicle fractures is being increasingly recognised and the indications for operative treatment of displaced fractures of the clavicle are increasing. Plate fixation options include low contact dynamic compression plates, which are strong, but difficult to contour and cause soft tissue irritation. Reconstruction plates are easier to contour, but lack sufficient mechanical strength. Pre-contoured locking plates are now available, matching the shape of the adult clavicle. The purpose of this study is to assess the clinical and radiological outcome of a pre-contoured congruent clavicle plate in the treatment of acute, displaced, mid-shaft clavicle fractures. This study presents the results of 29 patients treated with an anatomical congruent clavicle plate for acute displaced, mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle at a tertiary referral centre. All patients were treated with a congruent clavicle plate. The fracture united in all cases with minimal complications and high patient satisfaction on the Disability of the Arm and Shoulder (DASH) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES) and Pain Visual analogue score (VAS). The results compare favourably with other published studies, and we believe that a congruent clavicle plate represents an advance in the operative management of these fractures.