Is removal of clavicle plate after fracture union necessary?
OBJECTIVE
To review whether clavicle plates should be removed after union of the fracture.


METHODS
48 patients with middle third clavicle fractures treated by plating were assessed with UCLA shoulder rating and Oxford shoulder scores.


RESULTS
At an average follow up of 13 months,96% of 27 patients with plates out recommended its removal. 86% of 21 patients with plates in were happy to keep them.


CONCLUSIONS
We recommend leaving clavicle plates in unless requested by the patient.


METHODS
IV-retrospective study.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust, Shoulder Unit, Epsom General Hospital, Surrey, UK.
Janey
J
Wang
Ramiah
R
Chidambaram
Daniel
D
Mok