title: Using a reconstruction locking compression plate as external fixator in infected open clavicle fracture.
abstract: Open clavicle fracture is an uncommon injury mostly caused by severe direct trauma. It is often associated with multiple organ injuries. Generally, surgical intervention with debridement and fracture repair is always indicated in order to prevent infection, non-union, and malalignment. In situations of bony exposure and significant contamination concomitant with severe soft tissue damage, the external fixation is the treatment of choice because of the possibility it offers of providing stable fixation with minimal local tissue damage resulting in excellent union rates and better soft tissue outcome. Nevertheless, traditional external fixation encountered some potential problems as its bulkiness and sharp edges caused discomfort to the patient. In this study, we present an interesting case of a polytraumatized patient with a gunshot injury with complex open clavicle fracture that was successfully treated with external fixation using reconstruction with a locking compression plate as definitive treatment.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University.
authors.forename: Norachart
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sirisreetreerux
authors.forename: Paphon
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sa-Ngasoongsong
authors.forename: Pongsthorn
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chanplakorn
authors.forename: Noratep
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kulachote
authors.forename: Sukij
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Laohajaroensombat
authors.forename: Chanyut
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Suphachatwong
authors.forename: Vajara
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Phiphobmongkol
authors.forename: Wiwat
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wajanavisit
keywords: LCP external fixation; damage control surgery; open clavicle fracture