title: Anatomically precontoured LCP for delayed union of a medial third clavicle fracture. Case report with review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fractures of the medial clavicle third are rare injuries. Even in case of significant fracture displacement, their therapeutic management has been nonoperative. Recently, surgical intervention has become mandatory for displaced fractures types to prevent non-union and functional complaints, but the optimal operative strategy is being discussed controversially.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe the case of a 63-year-old male patient with a significantly displaced medial clavicle fracture after failed conservative treatment resulting in restricted, painful shoulder function. The patient underwent open reduction and osteosynthesis with an anatomically precontoured locking compression plate (LCP). One year after surgery the patient is free of complaints and has returned to his preinjury activity level without any functional restrictions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  As a not yet reported operative approach, anatomically preshaped locking plating seems to be an effective fixation method for displaced fractures of the medial clavicle third. The operative management is described in detail and discussed with the current literature. Based on the presented case, we underline the statement that displaced medial clavicle fractures should be surgically addressed to avoid late damage.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Siebenlist
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sandmann
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kirchhoff
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Biberthaler
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Neumaier
mesh_terms: D001860:Bone Plates; D002968:Clavicle / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D017759:Fractures, Malunited / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011474:Prosthesis Design / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography; D020127:Recovery of Function; D016896:Treatment Outcome