title: Fixation failure of the clavicular hook plate: a report of three cases.
abstract: Open reduction and internal fixation for unstable fractures of the lateral end of the clavicle (Neer type II) is not complication-free. Most clavicle fractures can be successfully treated by conservative methods. Neer type II fractures have a reportedly high rate of nonunion, therefore internal fixation is recommended. However, the need for surgical treatment remains controversial as nonunion seldom produces a poor functional outcome. We report 3 cases of fixation failure following treatment with a clavicular hook plate. None of the patients required re-fixation surgery and all achieved bony union with a good functional result.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, City Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom. r.charity@virgin.net
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Charity
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Haidar
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ghosh
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Tillu
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001860:Bone Plates; D002968:Clavicle / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017211:Treatment Failure