ABSTRACT
Objective To compare the therapeutic effect between Kirschner wire- loop plating and clavicular hook plate in the treatment of distal clavicle fractures. Methods Forty- two patients with type Neer Ⅱ distal clavicle fracture were selected, among whom 23 patients were treated with Kirschner wire- loop plating (group A), and 19 patients were treated with clavicular hook plate (group B). The operative time, fluoroscopy time, length of incision, intra- operative bleeding volume and hospitalization time etc were recorded. The patients were followed up at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after operation. The American shoulder and elbow society (ASES) score was evaluated, and the therapeutic effect was evaluated by Karlsson standard. Results The operative time and fluoroscopy time in group B were significantly lower than those in group A: (63.5 ± 12.4) min vs. (71.5 ± 11.1) min and (3.6 ± 1.9) s vs. (4.8 ± 1.5) s, but the intra- operative bleeding volume, length of incision and cases of postoperative shoulder pain in group A were significantly lower than those in group B:(91.5 ± 18.5) ml vs. (108.7 ± 32.5) ml, (6.6 ± 0.7) cm vs. (11.3 ± 0.9) cm and 2 cases vs. 14 cases, and there were statistical differences (P0.05). There was no statistical difference in ASES score at 6 weeks and 3 months after operation between 2 groups (P>0.05); but the ASES score at 6 and 12 months in group A was significantly higher than that in group B: (89.9 ± 12.6) scores vs. (79.7 ± 12.6) scores and (96.1 ± 4.8) scores vs. (86.1 ± 12.4) scores, and there was statistical difference (P0.05);but the cases of good and excellent at 12 months in group A was significantly more than that in group B:23 cases vs. 13 cases, and there was statistical difference (P<0.05). Conclusions Kirschner wire- loop plating provides a new treatment option for type Neer Ⅱ distal clavicle fractures. It is conducive to decrease the incidence of shoulder pain and improve the range of motion of should joint. Besides, this technology has advantage of small incision, relatively simple operation steps and small damage to the surrounding soft tissues of the acromioclavicular joint. It may be superior to the clavicular hook plate.