Use of the AO hook-plate for treatment of unstable fractures of the distal clavicle.
BACKGROUND
We used a new internal fixative implant, the AO clavicle hook-plate, for treatment of unstable fractures of the distal clavicle. This study describes the operative procedure and the clinical results obtained, as well as discussion of the advantages and problems encountered.


METHODS
Fifteen consecutive patients with unstable fractures of the distal clavicle (Neer type II) were treated using AO clavicle hook-plates. The average age of patients was 47 years and there were 13 males and 2 females. The mean follow-up period was 15.5 months. Plain radiographs of clavicles were used to assess bony union. Functional recovery of the shoulder joint was assessed using the Constant-Murley scoring system.


RESULTS
All fractures eventually achieved solid bony union within 4 months after surgery. Thirteen patients (87%) showed hook migration into the acromion. Clinical results were excellent with a mean Constant-Murley score of 89 points at final follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
AO clavicle hook-plates are useful fixative implants for unstable fractures of the distal clavicle. Static fixation was achieved and physiotherapy can be started immediately after surgery. Early removal of the implant is recommended however because hooks inserted under the acromion migrated into the bone in most cases.
Muramatsu
K
K
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan. muramatu@yamaguchi-u.ac.jp
Shigetomi
M
M
Matsunaga
T
T
Murata
Y
Y
Taguchi
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001860:Bone Plates; D002968:Clavicle / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011859:Radiography; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome