Functional Results of Unstable (Type 2) Distal Clavicle Fractures Treated with Superior Anterior Locking Plate

Abstract

Background: The treatment of distal clavicle fracture is always a challenge, as it is mostly unstable and has higher<br />rate of delayed union, malunion, non-union and associated acromioclavicular arthritis. So the management of these<br />fractures remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional results of Type 2 distal end<br />clavicle fractures treated with superior anterior locking plate.<br />Methods: From June 2011 to August 2015 a retrospective study of12 male patients (mean age of 41.3 years) 11 with<br />unilateral and 1 with bilateral distal clavicle fractures treated with superior anterior locking plate was done. They were<br />evaluated at regular intervals with mean follow up of 14 months(12-18 months).Those with minimum one year follow<br />up were included in our study. All were evaluated for the functioning of the shoulder joint by both Oxford shoulder score<br />and Quick DASH scores, rate of bone union, complications and earliest time for return to work.<br />Results: All fractures union seen within 6-8 weeks (mean time: 7.1 weeks).All had good shoulder range of motion. The<br />average oxford shoulder and Quick DASH score were 46.2 and 6.5.There were no major complications in our study<br />viz. non-union, plate failure, secondary fracture. But one patient had superficial wound infection. All patients returned to<br />work within 3 months of postoperative period.<br />Conclusion: Displaced distal clavicle fractures treated with superior anterior locking plates achieved excellent results<br />in terms of bony union with rarely any complications and demonstrate promising results with this novel technique.