Medial Clavicle Fracture Research Articles

Unstable distal clavicle fractures (Neer Type II): A review of the complications and functional outcomes among treatment modalities.

Objectives: To perform a systematic review of the literature on unstable distal clavicle fractures in order to determine the preferable treatment method. Data sources: A literature search for articles on keywords “distal clavicle fracture treatment” and “Lateral end fracture of the clavicle” written in English and published between January 1990 and August 2015 was reviewed from the PubMed database. Study selection: The articles written in English and non-English articles with an English abstract were also included. A bibliographical review of the included articles was performed to find omitted studies. Studies dealing with non-union (pseudo-arthrosis) and arthroscopic methods were excluded. Open fractures, pediatric fractures, mid-shaft, medial clavicle fractures, and complicated cases were excluded. Non-English articles without an English abstract were excluded. Eighty-six articles representing 1812 surgeries were selected. Data extraction: The manuscripts were classified in accordance with their level of evidence and surgery type. All manuscripts were closely examined with regard to functional scores (including Constant scores, UCLA and ASES scores), union rates and complication rates. Data synthesis: The mean nonunion rate, complication rate, and mean functional scores were calculated for each treatment modality. The extracted data were accumulated and the mean rates were calculated to evaluate and compare different treatment modalities. The means of the groups were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Bonferroni post hoc test. The pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze whether a significant correlation exists between the parameters. Two-tailed hypothesis was considered in the analyses, and the significant differences were accepted if p value was .05 or less. SPSS 18.0 software for Windows (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used in the evaluation of statistical analyses. Results A total of ten types of treatment modalities was compared according to results of constant scores, union rates and complication rates. ANOVA test results showed significant differences between the groups with respect to union rate and complication rate (p=0.000 and p=0.000 respectively), while there were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding to constant scores (p= 0.301). According to Bonferroni post hoc test the differences were caused by conservative treatment modalities in both union and complication rates. Regarding Pearson correlation test; there were no statistically significant correlation between constant scores with other scores (p=0.551, r=0.069 and p= 0.147, r= -0.168 for union rate and complication rate respectively). However, there were statistically significant correlation between union and complication rates (p=0.000, r=-0.408). Conclusions: There is no difference between the surgical treatment methods, the conservative treatment method was found to be statistically different (worse) than all other methods. When the treatment modalities were arranged according to highest results of constant scores, union rates and the lowest scores of complication rates ; the distal clavicle anatomic plate (precontoured plate) with /without CC sling and CC-sling(alone ) were the most preferable modalities according to benefited result relation. Thus, these techniques might be preferable. Keywords: Distal clavicle fracture, Lateral end clavicle fracture, Neer type II distal clavicle fracture, Unstable distal clavicle fracture.

Shoulder girdle injuries involving the medial clavicle differ from lateral clavicle injuries with a focus on concomitant injuries and management strategies: A retrospective study based on nationwide routine data.

Although shoulder girdle injuries are frequent, those of the medial part are widely unexplored. Our aim is to improve the knowledge of this rare injury and its management in Germany by big data analysis. The data are based on ICD-10 codes of all German hospitals as provided by the German Federal Statistical Office. Based on the ICD-10 codes S42.01 (medial clavicle fracture, MCF) and S43.2 (sternoclavicular joint dislocation, SCJD), anonymized patient data from 2012 to 2014 were evaluated retrospectively for epidemiologic issues. We analyzed especially the concomitant injuries and therapy strategies. A total of 114,003 cases with a clavicle involving shoulder girdle injury were identified with 12.5% of medial clavicle injuries (MCI). These were accompanied by concomitant injuries, most of which were thoracic and craniocerebral injuries as well as injuries at the shoulder/upper arm. A significant difference between MCF and SCJD concerning concomitant injuries only appears for head injuries (p = 0.003). If MCI is the main diagnosis, soft tissue injuries typically occur as secondary diagnoses. The MCI are significantly more often associated with concomitant injuries (p < 0.001) for almost each anatomic region compared with lateral clavicle injuries (LCI). The main differences were found for thoracic and upper extremity injuries. Different treatment strategies were used, most frequently plate osteosynthesis in more than 50% of MCF cases. Surgery on SCJD was performed with K-wires, tension flange or absorbable materials, fewer by plate osteosynthesis. We proved that MCI are rare injuries, which might be why they are treated by inhomogeneous treatment strategies. No standard procedure has yet been established. MCI can occur in cases of severely injured patients, often associated with severe thoracic or other concomitant injuries. Therefore, MCI appear to be more complex than LCI. Further studies are required regarding the development of standard treatment strategy and representative clinical studies.

Bipolar clavicular fractures and treatment options

IntroductionFractures of the clavicle are common injuries, accounting 2.6–4% of all fractures in adults. Of these fractures, 21–28% are lateral clavicle fractures and 2–3% are medial clavicle fractures. Bipolar clavicle fractures are defined as a lateral and medial fracture and are uncommon. There is no consensus on the treatment of these fractures. The aim of this study is to provide a treatment on bipolar clavicle fractures based on the current literature.MethodsThe electronic databases PubMed, the Cochrane library and EMBASE were searched up on September 25th, 2017. Two reviewers (KR and TG) independently screened titles and abstracts for their relevance. Studies designed to evaluate the outcomes of conservative and/or operative treatment of segmental bipolar clavicle fractures in adults (> 16 years) were included. Editorials and commentaries were excluded, as well as synthetic, cadaveric and animal studies. Primary outcomes considered were pain reduction and shoulder function. Secondary outcomes considered are complications.ResultsTen studies reporting results from ten patients were included for the review. In most patients, if treated operatively, surgical treatment with the use of double plating was performed. Only in elderly patients conservative treatment was adopted. All included patients were pain free and had a full range of motion after 3–6 months. Only two case reports provided a DASH score, while in eight studies no functional outcome score was measured.ConclusionA missed bipolar fracture can complicate the clinical progress. Surgical management of these fractures may be necessary; however, the treatment of choice depends on the age of the patient, daily activities and comorbidity.

What's New in Pediatric Orthopaedic Trauma: The Upper Extremity.

Upper extremity fractures are the most common fractures in children. Many high-quality studies have been reported regarding operative and nonoperative treatment of different upper extremity fractures in children. This review will summarize the literature on 4 major upper extremity fractures in children over the past 5 years. PubMed and Embase databases were queried for publications in the English language on supracondylar humerus (SCH) fractures, lateral humeral condyle fractures, medial epicondyle fractures, and clavicle fractures from January 1, 2013 until November 1, 2018. Papers believed to yield significant findings to our profession were included in this review. A total of 1150 studies were related to the search terms, and after cursory assessment, the authors elected to fully review 30 papers for this publication: 12 related to SCH fractures, 10 related to lateral condyle humerus fractures, 3 related to medial epicondyle humerus fractures, and 5 involving clavicle fractures. The level of evidence for these studies was either level III or IV. SCH fractures are increasingly being treated at trauma centers or pediatric hospitals in the United States. The rate of open reduction in this fracture type is decreasing overall, but the flexion type SCH fractures (especially in the setting of ulnar nerve injury) continue to be at increased risk of requiring open reduction. There has been a paradigm shift in the treatment of lateral condyle humerus fractures, wherein authors have demonstrated successful management with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning when an adjunct arthrogram is performed demonstrating articular congruity. More studies are needed to find the optimal treatment for displaced medial epicondyle and clavicle fractures in adolescents, as results to date do not necessarily mirror those seen in the adult population. Level IV.

Effectiveness analysis of distal radius microplate locking plate for treatment of displaced fracture of medial clavicle

To investigate and evaluate the effectiveness of the distal radius microplate locking plate for the treatment of displaced fracture of medial clavicle. Between January 2013 and June 2017, 18 cases of obvious displaced fracture of medial clavicle were treated with distal radius microlocking plate. There were 10 males and 8 females, with an average age of 51.4 years (range, 18-88 years). Causes of injury included traffic accident injury in 15 cases, heavy object injury in 3 cases; all of them were closed injury. According to Edinburgh classification, 15 cases were ⅠB1 type and 3 cases were ⅠB2 type. Fracture displacement was 12-21 mm (mean, 16.3 mm). The time from injury to operation was 3-7 days (mean, 4.3 days). After operation, the clinical healing and complications of fracture were observed, and shoulder function was evaluated according to Rockwood's scoring criteria. No incisional infection, neurovascular injury, or other early complications occurred. All 18 patients were followed up 8-15 months (mean, 12 months). All fractures reached clinical osseous union, and the healing time was 8-24 weeks (mean, 16.6 weeks). Postoperative plate loosening occurred in 1 case, which was removed surgically, while other patients did not suffer from complications such as bone nonunion, displacement, internal fixator loosening, and loss of reduction. At last follow-up, according to Rockwood's scoring criteria, the results were excellent in 12 cases and good in 6 cases. The distal radius microplate locking plate is effective for the treatment of displaced medial clavicle fracture, which has few complications, and is feasible for early functional exercise, and is helpful for the recovery of shoulder joint function.

Clavicle fractures in adults; current concepts.

For decades, clavicle fractures have been treated conservatively. In the last 20years, however, non-union rates after conservative treatment appear higher than previously reported and more evidence regarding operative treatment has become available. This has led to a paradigm shift towards an increase in operative treatment. The aim of this review is to present the current concepts and available evidence regarding clavicle fracture treatment. Conservative and operative treatment options together with their indications for medial, shaft and lateral clavicle fractures are discussed. For all three anatomical locations, a treatment algorithm is proposed. In general, non-displaced fractures are treated conservatively. Operative treatment has to be discussed with patients with displaced clavicle fractures, especially in the young and active patient.

Medial Clavicle Osseous Dimensions With Implication on Plate Fixation

Significantly displaced medial clavicle fractures are associated with high rates of painful nonunion. Operative fixation can be challenging due to limited medial bone stock and adjacent vital vascular structures. Twenty-one consecutive chest computer topography (CT) scans were analyzed to measure anterior-posterior and superior-inferior dimensions of the medial clavicle. Correlation between height and clavicular dimensions were assessed by Pearson correlation coefficient. Two cases using dual T-locking plates are described. From anterior to posterior, the medial clavicle typically measures 1.44 (SD 0.26 cm) and 2.51 cm (SD 0.38 cm) at its narrowest and widest points, respectively. The mean superior-inferior width was 1.56 cm (SD 0.21 cm) and 2.76 cm (SD 0.39 cm) at its narrowest and widest points, respectively. Inter-observer reliability was 0.986 with combined intra-observer reliability between two time points of 0.984. Surgeons may use CT to reliably evaluate the amount of bone available for screw purchase and pre-operatively determine expected screw lengths. Locking plates using both unicortical locking screws and bicortical screws can be used for fracture fixation. Both patients healed fractures with dual T-locking plates without a short-term hardware complication. Dual T-locking plates may be a consideration for medial clavicle fracture fixation when medial bone purchase is a concern.

A new technique for medial-end comminuted clavicle fractures

Fractures of the medial comminuted clavicle are rare injuries but are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although rare, such injuries deserve rapid diagnosis and effective treatment to avoid future complications. An optimal, standardized operative treatment has not yet been established. We presented a medial-end comminuted clavicle fracture and demonstrated successful results using a bridging plate technique across the sternum maintaining reduction and achieving union. We aim to provide an alternative technique to fix a displaced periarticular medial clavicle fracture, which we believe is simple, safer and promising.

Medial Clavicle Fracture Dislocation Surgically Treated: Case Report

Medial Clavicle Fracture Dislocation Surgically Treated: Case Report

Bipolar Injury of the Clavicle.

Eleven patients with bipolar clavicle injuries, including dislocation of both ends of the clavicle, dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint with distal clavicle fracture, dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint with medial clavicle fracture, and segmental fracture of the clavicle, were retrospectively reviewed. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical outcomes and a literature review of bipolar clavicle injury. Nonoperative treatment was performed for 5 patients and surgical treatment for 6 patients. The fracture or dislocation of the lateral end of the clavicle was fixed with a hook plate, and closed reduction of the medial end was performed; if the dislocation was still present, open reduction and anterior sternoclavicular ligament repair was performed. Visual analog scale pain score, Constant score, active range of motion, and radiological images were evaluated. The mean visual analog scale pain score for all patients was 0.7±0.9 (range, 0-2). The mean Constant score for all patients was 89.7±7.6 (range, 72-96). The mean Constant score was 84.2±8.5 (range, 72-96) for conservatively treated patients and 94.3±1.9 (range, 92-96) for surgically treated patients. The mean Constant score was 83.4±7.2 (range, 72-92) for patients in whom optimal reduction of 1 or both ends was not achieved. Residual pain or deformity was seen in 5 patients. The authors suggest operative treatment of bipolar clavicle injuries in younger, active patients when anatomical reduction cannot be achieved and residual deformity, pain, or functional limitations are unacceptable. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(5):e681-e688.].

Comparison of plate osteosynthesis versus non-operative management for mid-shaft clavicle fractures—A prospective study

IntroductionTreatment for mid-shaft clavicle fractures has recently seen a paradigm shift towards surgical management. The aim of the study was to compare clinical and functional outcome between plate osteosynthesis and conservative line of management in middle-third clavicle fractures. Material and methodsA prospective randomized study was conducted on 69 patients with closed displaced clavicle fractures between May 2014 and May 2016. Patients with medial or lateral third clavicle fractures, polytrauma and compound fractures were excluded from the study. Patients treated with plating were in group A (n = 36) while those treated with arm pouch were in group B (n = 33). ResultsThe mean age of the patient in group A was 32.4 ± 43 and group B was 31.7 ± 26 years. 48 (69.9%) females were involved in the study. History of fall was the most common mechanism of injury affecting 51 (73.9%) patients. All the patients were type 2 B as per the Robinson classification system. The average operative duration was 78.3 ± 12.4 min. Union was seen at 15.6 ± 0.8 in group A and 22.8 ± 0.4 in group B (p < 0.0001). Two (6%) of the patients in group B had non-union. One (2.7%) patient in group A had mal-union. Two (5.5%) patients had plate prominence. One (2.7%) patient had superficial infection. The Constant and Murley scoring at 24 months was 89.42 and 76.24 in group A and group B respectively. ConclusionPlating for displaced mid-shaft clavicle fractures is can lead to better functional and radiological outcomes with minimal complications as compared to the conservative modality of treatment.

What's New in Pediatric Upper Extremity Sports Injuries?

Sports injuries are common in pediatric and adolescent patients and the evaluation and treatment of these injuries continues to evolve. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive appraisal of the most recent literature, highlighting updates on sports-related upper extremity injuries in pediatric patients. An electronic search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases was performed for keywords related to pediatric overhead athletes, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum, medial epicondyle fractures, shoulder instability, and clavicle fractures. Search results were filtered by publication date to yield articles published electronically or in print on or after January 1, 2013 to May 30, 2017. Papers were selected based on expert opinion and consensus by the authors and included if deemed to have contributed important findings to the above topics. A total of 51 articles were deemed to have contributed significant findings to the literature: 11 overhead athlete, 9 OCD of the capitellum, 6 medial epicondyle fractures, 17 shoulder instability, and 8 clavicle fractures. The level of evidence for most studies was either Level III or IV. Overuse and traumatic conditions of the pediatric elbow including UCL tear, capitellar OCD, and medial epicondyle fractures represent a significant portion of injuries in the overhead athlete. Research in the prevention and treatment of primary and recurrent shoulder instability in young athletes continues to evolve. The operative treatment of clavicle fractures in adolescents has been increasing without a commensurate increase in the level of evidence supporting such treatment. Advances have been made in the treatment of sports-related upper extremity injuries in pediatric patients, however, high-level, comparative outcomes research in many areas is lacking and this review may help inform topics for future study. Level IV-Literature review.

Sternoclavicular Joint Reconstruction in the Setting of Medial Comminuted Clavicle Fracture

A dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint is a particularly threatening injury given the close proximity of neighboring vital structures. Moreover, a traumatic injury resulting in a comminuted fracture of the medial clavicle in addition to joint instability results in even greater complexity. In the setting of sternoclavicular joint instability, definitive treatment that will lead to complete resolution of symptoms is necessary. Various treatment methods, both conservative and operative, with positive treatment outcomes have been described. The aim of this Technical Note is to describe our preferred surgical technique to treat a medial comminuted clavicle fracture with anterior sternoclavicular joint instability.

Comparing functional outcome in lateral end clavicle fracture after conservative and plating

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Fractures of the clavicle have been traditionally treated non- operatively but has been associated with various postoperative complications. In this study, we analyzed the outcomes of the operative management and compare its results with conservative treatment considering it as standard treatment option.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; The present study was carried out at the Department of Orthopedics, DY Patil Medical College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai. Open fractures, fractures associated with complication like head injury with associated other bone injuries were included in this study. We excluded patients less than 18 years of age, patients with middle third fracture of clavicle and patients with medial end clavicle fracture. The fractures were classified according to Robinson’s classification. Patients were followed up every week for 4 weeks then at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months and 1 year. The functional outcomes were assessed by Constant and Murley score.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; We included 48 patients in the study, 34 of which were males, average age of the patients was 37.53±7.64 years. 23 injuries were on the left. There was statistically significant better union times with operative management (p=0.034). Various complications were observed like infection, implant failure, man union, non-union, deformity and skin infections, statistically seen more in patients who underwent conservative management. Overall, patients experienced excellent and good results with operative management in 6 and 12 patients respectively.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt;Operative treatment gave statistically significant functional outcome and early healing compared to conservatively treated in displaced, communited lateral end clavicle fractures. &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;

A New Frontier for the Medial Clavicle

HISTORY: A 63 year-old male presented with a 2-week history of left upper extremity pain after being hit by a car on his left side while riding his bicycle. He sustained fractured ribs, an extraarticular fracture-dislocation of the left medial clavicle, a minimally displaced oblique fractured left scapular body, and a displaced, comminuted fractured left distal radius for which he underwent ORIF. While hospitalized, he was informed there were no surgical options to treat his left clavicle fracture-dislocation. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: Examination revealed a male with his left arm in a sling. He had a prominent anterior sternoclavicular joint and deformity of his medial clavicle. His range of motion was limited due to pain and guarding. He had 2+ radial pulses, intact sensation to light touch, and no obvious motor dysfunction of his upper extremities. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: 1. Anterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation 2. Medial clavicular fracture-dislocation TESTS AND RESULTS: Left shoulder CT scan: 1. Comminuted, anteriorly angulated fracture of the medial aspect of the left clavicle with severe shortening and subluxation of sternoclavicular joint. 2. Minimally displaced oblique fracture through scapular body. Multiple anterior and posterior ribs. No pneumothorax. FINAL DIAGNOSIS: 1. Medial clavicular fracture with significant shortening and fracture-dislocation of sternoclavicular joint. 2. Minimally displaced scapular body fracture. 3. Anterior and posterior rib fractures. TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES: He underwent an ORIF of his medial clavicle fracture-dislocation using a 7-hole 15-mm hook plate. The plate was placed under the inferior border of the medial head of the clavicle and superior to the first rib to push the lateral clavicle fragment posteriorly to reduce the fracture. Screws were placed in the hook plate to stabilize the fracture and maintain the clavicle out to length as much as possible. The arm was ranged with mild motion of the hook plate under the sternum and the fracture stable. His scapular and rib fractures were treated nonoperatively. A hook plate is designed for fixation of a lateral clavicle fracture, but its use in medial clavicle fractures has not been well established. We offer this case as an example of a successful outcome using this novel operative approach.

Efficacy analysis of a novel sternoclavicular hook plate for treatment of unstable sternoclavicular joint dislocation or fracture.

Sternoclavicular joint is an amphiarthrodial joint formed by the clavicle and sternal manubrium. This joint becomes chronically unstable in case of a medial clavicle dislocation or fracture, and improper treatment could cause malformation and pain. We aimed to determine the efficacy of a novel sternoclavicular hook plate for treatment of unstable sternoclavicular joint dislocation or fracture. Between June 2011 and December 2013, the sternoclavicular hook plate was used to surgically treat 32 adult patients with unstable sternoclavicular joint dislocation or fracture. Of these, 12 and 5 patients suffered from anterior and posterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint, respectively, 10 had medial clavicle fracture, and 5 had fracture dislocation. For anterior fracture dislocation, the standard sternoclavicular hook plate was used, while for the posterior dislocation, screws were added at the distal end of the hook plate, anterior to the sternal manubrium, to prevent postoperative redislocation. No intraoperative complications were observed during the procedure. Postoperative X-ray and computed tomography revealed normal anatomical positions of sternoclavicular joints and excellent positions of internal fixation. About 3-6 months after surgery, all patients achieved primary healing without redislocation of the sternoclavicular joint along with satisfactory restoration of anatomical structures of the medial clavicle; nine patients had swelling but no pain around the sternoclavicular joints. Internal fixation was removed in 29 patients 6-12 months postoperatively and no sequelae were observed. This novel sternoclavicular hook plate demonstrated excellent efficacy and could provide a reliable therapeutic approach for this kind of trauma.

Injuries of the Medial Clavicle: A Cohort Analysis in a Level-I-Trauma-Center. Concomitant Injuries. Management. Classification.

Introduction: Although shoulder girdle injuries are frequent, those of the medial clavicle are widely unexplored. An applied classification is less used just as a standard management. Methods: A retrospective analysis of medial clavicle injuries (MCI) during a 5-year-term in a Level-1-Trauma-Center. We analyzed amongst others concomitant injuries, therapy strategies and the classification following the AO standards. Results: 19 (2.5%) out of 759 clavicula injuries were medial ones (11 A, 6 B and 2 C-Type fractures) thereunder 27,8% were displaced and thus operatively treated Locked plate osteosynthesis was employed in unstable fractures and a reconstruction of the ligaments at the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) in case of their disruption. 84,2% of the patients sustained relevant concomitant injuries. Numerous midshaft fractures were miscoded as medial fracture, which limited the study population. Conclusions: MCI resulted from high impact mechanisms of injury, often with relevant dislocation and concomitant injuries. Concerning medial injury's complexity, treatment should occur in specialized hospitals. Unstable fractures and injuries of the SCJ ligaments should be considered for operative treatment. Midshaft fractures should be clearly distinguished from the medial ones in ICD-10-coding. Further studies are required also regarding a subtyping of the AO classification for medial clavicle fractures including ligamental injuries.

Natural history of medial clavicle fractures

BackgroundFractures of the medial third of the clavicle comprise less than 3% of all clavicle fractures. The natural history and optimal management of these rare injuries are unknown. The aim of our study is to describe the demographics, management and outcomes of patients with medial clavicle fractures treated at a Level 1 Trauma Centre. MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of patients presenting to our institution between January 2008 and March 2013 with a medial third clavicle fracture. Clinical and radiographic data were recorded including mechanism of injury, fracture pattern and displacement, associated injuries, management and complications. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOS-E) scores from the Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry (VOTOR). Shoulder outcomes were assessed using two patient reported outcomes scores, the American Shoulder and Elbow Society Score (ASES) and the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV). ResultsSixty eight medial clavicle fractures in 68 patients were evaluated. The majority of patients were male (n=53), with a median age of 53.5 years (interquartile range (IQR) 37.5–74.5 years). The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle accident (n=28). The in-hospital mortality rate was 4.4%.The fracture pattern was almost equally distributed between extra articular (n=35) and intra-articular (n=33). Fifty-five fractures (80.9%) had minimal or no displacement. Associated injuries were predominantly thoracic (n=31). All fractures were initially managed non-operatively, with a broad arm sling.Delayed operative fixation was performed for painful atrophic delayed union in two patients (2.9%). Both patients were under 65 years of age and had a severely displaced fracture of the medial clavicle. One intra-operative vascular complication was seen, with no adverse long-term outcome.Follow-up was obtained in 85.0% of the surviving cohort at an average of three years post injury (range 1–6 years). The mean ASES score was 80.3 (SD 24.8, range 10–100,), and the mean SSV score was 77.0 (SD 24.6, range 10–100). ConclusionSixty eight patients with medial clavicle fractures were identified over a 5year period, with excellent functional results seen following conservative management.

The operative outcomes of displaced medial-end clavicle fractures

Nonoperative treatment of displaced medial clavicle fractures often leads to poor functional outcomes and painful nonunions. This study investigates the functional outcomes of patients undergoing operative fixation of these fractures. We investigated 27 patients undergoing operative fixation of a medial clavicle fracture; 24 had an acute, displaced fracture and 3 had fixation for nonunions. Preoperative radiographs or computed tomography scans were obtained, and data collected included age, sex, mechanism of injury, and fixation method. Follow-up included physical examination and radiographs for assessment of union; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores at 12 months; and the recording of complications. The median age was 37 years (interquartile range, 17-47 years). There were 26 male patients and one female patient included, with 7 physeal injuries and 20 adult injuries. The most common mechanism of fracture was vehicular accident (n = 15). Three patients had operations for nonunions and 2 for a periprosthetic fracture medial to an existing plate. The fracture was fixed with plate and screws in 19 cases and with transosseous sutures in 8 cases. The median Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score at 12 months was 0.4 (interquartile range, 0-5.0), with a union rate of 100% at 12 months. All patients had full shoulder range of motion at final follow-up and were able to return to preinjury occupational activities. There were no significant complications. Operative fixation of displaced medial clavicle fractures results in anatomic reconstruction and excellent functional outcomes, even in the setting of fixation performed for symptomatic nonunion. Early intervention can minimize the risk of painful nonunion.

Traumatic Floating Clavicle- A case report.

Introduction:Shoulder injuries after high velocity trauma are common. Clavicle is affected in almost half of these cases. Even so, bipolar dislocation of the clavicle is an unusual injury and seldom reported in the literature. Conservative management is used for almost all the cases and only selected cases will undergo surgical treatment.Case Report:A 52 year old right electrician presented to the emergency department following a fall from a push bicycle. Plain radiographs identified a left first metacarpal (MC) fracture and a bipolar fracture of his right clavicle. Following Fracture Clinic review, significant deformity of the medial clavicle was noted and a CT scan showed anterior dislocation of the medial fragment. Given the degree of deformity and this functional requirement we felt that operative treatment was most appropriate for his unstable medial clavicle fracture dislocation.Conclusion:Surgical treatment of floating clavicle has an important role in the management of fit and active patients. It is important to identify the mechanism of injury and deforming forces in fractures and only after this to plan to neutralise these where appropriate.