Fractures of the distal third of the clavicle treated by hook plating.
We retrospectively assessed the union and shoulder function following hook plate fixation in 18 patients with Neer type 2 fractures of the lateral end of the clavicle. The average age was 40 (range 22-62) years, and the mean follow-up was 25 (range 6-48) months. Fifteen patients had acute fractures and the rest were non-unions. Complications included two non-unions, one following a deep infection. There were no iatrogenic fractures. Acromial osteolysis was seen in five patients who had their plates in situ. The average pain score at rest was 1 (range 0-4), and the average pain score on abduction was 2.2 (range 0-5). The average Constant score was 88.5 (range 63-100). Patients were asked to rate their shoulder function; three rated it as normal, 11 as nearly normal and one as not normal. Hook plate fixation appears to be a valuable method of stabilising Neer type 2 fractures of the clavicle, resulting in high union rates and good shoulder function. These plates need to be removed after union to prevent acromial osteolysis.
Tambe
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AD
Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, UK. anant_tambe@yahoo.com
Motkur
P
P
Qamar
A
A
Drew
S
S
Turner
S M
SM
D001860:Bone Plates; D002968:Clavicle / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement