A multicentric study on the newly developed reconstruction locking plate for midshaft clavicular fracture / Journal of Rural Medicine

Objectives: To examine the efficacy and clinical and radiological outcomes of the use of a streamlined clavicle plate® (MEIRA, Aichi, Japan) for midshaft clavicular fractures.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 155 patients with displaced midshaft clavicular fractures treated using a streamlined clavicle plate between 2015 and 2019 in 18 hospitals across Japan. A questionnaire regarding bone union and postoperative complications was used, and 136 cases were followed up for one year or until bone union. Plate fitting was evaluated retrospectively using surgical records, radiographic findings, and surgeon’s opinion.Results: During surgery, plate bending was needed in 19 cases (12.3%), poor fitting was observed in 8 cases (5.2%), and bone union was achieved in 133 cases (97.8%). Total implantation failure, including plate breakage and screw loosening, occurred in 10 cases (6.5%) from the intraoperative to postoperative period. Subjective complications were observed in 26 cases (16.8%): incongruity around the surgical scar or in the anterior chest in 23, and contracture of the shoulder in three. Plate removal was performed in 66 cases (48.5%) per patient’s request.Conclusion: The use of a streamlined clavicle plate is effective for midshaft fractures of the clavicle, and the success rates of bone union and implantation using this approach are comparable to those of other existing plates.

Supplementary Technique for Unstable Clavicle Shaft Fractures: Interfragmentary Wiring and Temporary Axial K-Wire Pinning

BACKGROUND: Treatment of unstable clavicle fractures remains a challenge for orthopedic surgeons, but the evolution of treatment strategies has allowed for reliable results with minimal complications. Although several surgical options exist, open reduction with plating remains the treatment of choice for clavicle fractures. The purpose of this study is to determine an easy way to achieve successful preplating reduction while minimizing surrounding soft tissue damage during treatment of midshaft fractures of the clavicle. METHODS: A retrospective study included all consecutive adult patients operated on by a single surgeon for acute displaced clavicular midshaft fracture between January 2010 and October 2014. Hybrid technique with interfragmentary cerclage wiring, temporary axial K-wire pinning, or their combination was used in all patients. The demographic data and clinical outcomes, including operation time, union time, restoration of anatomy, shoulder functional score, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 54 male and 19 female patients, with an average age of 39.3 years (range, 18 to 77 years) for males and 58.3 years (range, 39 to 77 years) for females. They were followed up for 24 months (range, 12 to 44 months). All patients had reliable bone union after surgery using interfragmentary cerclage wiring and temporary axial K-wire fixation; fracture union was obtained at an average of 11.7 weeks (range, 8 to 21 weeks) postoperatively. Additionally, there was no postoperative loss of fracture reduction or plate loosening. At the final follow-up, all patients had regained excellent functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The cognizant effort to achieve anatomic reduction without surrounding soft tissue insult before definitive plating allows excellent radiologic and functional outcomes. Interfragmentary cerclage wiring and temporary axial K-wire pinning can overcome difficulties associated with unstable clavicle fractures to allow proper fracture reduction. In this article, we introduce a concise technique for achieving the desired outcomes reliably and efficiently when treating unstable clavicle midshaft fractures.

A Comparison between Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Plate Osteosynthesis and Plate Fixation in the Treatment of Clavicle Midshaft Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To retrospectively compare minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) with open plate fixation for the treatment of clavicle midshaft fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between November 2011 to May 2014, 40 cases that were followed for more than 1 year–among all cases of MIPPO and open plate fixation–were analyzed. The study population was divided into two groups: group A included 20 cases of MIPPO and group B included 20 open plate fixation cases. The comparative analysis between the two groups was based on the operative time, bone union, functional evaluation (American Shoulder and Elbow Society score), incision length, pain relief (visual analogue scale, VAS), and complication. RESULTS: The bone union was successful for all the cases, and the functional evaluation scores of the shoulder joint were satisfactory for both groups (p>0.05). The operative time was 47.5 minutes and 58.7 minutes for group A and B, respectively (p<0.05). The incision length for group A was 6.2 cm and that for group B was 10.7 cm with statistical significance (p<0.05). Pain relief (VAS) after surgery for group A showed a quick recuperation in the early stages. For complications, there were 2 cases of dysesthesia and 1 case of malunion due to metal fixation failure in group A. There were 6 cases of dysesthesia and 2 cases of cosmetic problem due to hypertrophic scar in group B. CONCLUSION: Surgical results of clavicle shaft fracture were satisfactory for both groups, but group A had advantages of shorter operative time, minimal incision length, and better pain relief in the early stages compared with group B. However, we need further evaluations with long-term follow-up results and complications, such as malunion and exposure on radiation.

Tratamiento con placa precontorneada bloqueada de fracturas desplazadas del tercio medio de la clavicula / Precontoured locking plate treatment for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures

Introducción: El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar los resultados de un grupo de pacientes con fracturas mediodiafisarias desplazadas de clavícula tratadas con placa precontorneada bloqueada. Se analizaron la tasa de consolidación ósea, los resultados funcionales y las complicaciones. Materiales y Métodos: Cuarenta y seis fracturas de clavícula desplazadas de tipo 2B de Edimburgo fueron tratadas con placa bloqueada precontorneada. Los pacientes eran 36 hombres (uno con fractura bilateral) y nueve mujeres, con una edad promedio de 33 años (rango 17-56). Los pacientes fueron evaluados con radiología y el puntaje de Constant, el test QuickDASH y la escala analógica visual para dolor. Resultados: El seguimiento promedio fue de 30 meses (rango 12-46). Cuarenta y cinco fracturas consolidaron y una no. El puntaje de Constant promedio fue de 96 (rango 56-100) y el de QuickDASH promedio, 2 (rango 0-32). El dolor en el seguimiento fue de 0,3 puntos (rango 0-6). Se registraron 10 complicaciones en nueve pacientes (21%), aunque solo tres (6,5%) fueron consideradas mayores. En siete pacientes (15%), se retiró la placa por intolerancia (uno de ellos fue el paciente con mala consolidación, se registró como segunda complicación en el mismo paciente). Conclusiones: La reducción y estabilización de las fracturas desplazadas del tercio medio de la clavícula con placas precontorneadas y bloqueadas son un tratamiento eficaz con un bajo índice de complicaciones mayores relacionadas, a veces, con errores técnicos.

Introduction: The aim of this paper is to analyze the results in a group of patients with displaced diaphyseal fractures treated with precontoured clavicle locking plate. The rate of bone healing, functional outcome and complications were analyzed. Methods: Forty-six displaced clavicle fractures (Edinburgh type 2B) were treated with precontoured locking plate. Thirty- six were men (one with bilateral fracture) and 9 were women, with an average age of 33 years (range 17-56). Patients were assessed with radiology and the Constant score, the QuickDASH test, and the visual analogue scale for pain. Results: The average follow-up was 30 months (range 12-46). Forty-five fractures healed and one did not. The Constant score averaged 96 points (range 56-100) and the QuickDASH test averaged 2 points (range 0-32). Pain was 0.3 points (range 0-6). There were 10 complications in 9 patients (21%), but only three (6.5%) were considered major. In 7 patients (15%) the plate had to be removed due to intolerance (one of them was a patient with malunion, registering as a second complication in the same patient). Conclusions: The reduction and stabilization of displaced midshaft fractures of the clavicle with precontoured clavicle locking plate is an effective treatment with a low rate of major complications, sometimes related to technical errors.

Comparison of Intramedullary K-Wire Nailing versus Plate for Fixation in Metacarpal Midshaft Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological results of patients with metacarpal midshaft fracture following surgery using either intramedullary K-wire nailing or internal fixation of plates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted with 39 metacarpal midshaft fracture patients between October 2008 and September 2012. Of these 39 patients, 15 patients underwent intramedullary K-wire nailing and 24 patients underwent internal fixation of metal plates. We analyzed bone union time and final posterior angulation radiologically and the range of motion, grip power, and quick-disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scores, visual analogue scale (VAS) score clinically. RESULTS: Bone union was observed in all cases and bone union times were not significantly different between the two surgical methods. The final follow-up radiographs showed statistically significant differences in posterior angulation, which was 14°, on average, among the patients who underwent intramedullary K-wire nailing and 5°, on average, among the patients who underwent internal fixation of plates. No significant differences were found for the range of joint motion, power, and quick-DASH scores and VAS score were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary K-wire nailing showed significant differences in posterior angulations, but both intramedullary K-wire nailing and internal fixation of plates produced good clinical outcomes in the treatment of metacarpal midshaft fracture. Therefore both techniques are considered good treatment methods.

Comparison of Plate Versus Threaded K-wire for Fixation of Midshaft Clavicular Fractures

PURPOSE: To compare clinical outcomes of the plate and threaded K-wire for fixation of midshaft clavicular fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2005 Jan to 2009 May, medical records of 18 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation with plate (group 1) and 13 others who underwent intramedullary fixation with threaded K-wire (group 2) were reviewed. The mean follow up periods were 21.9 and 18.9months. The Functional results were evaluated with The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and Constant shoulder score. The statistical evaluation was assessed with Paired T-test, Chi-square test. RESULTS: The DASH score were 11.5+/-2.7 in group 1 and 12.4+/-4.3 in group 2. The constant shoulder score were 92.0+/-3.1 in group 1 and 87.1+/-2.8 in group 2. Length of surgical wound (cm) were 10.6+/-3.4 in group 1 and 4.8+/-1.5 in group 2. Postoperative pain and range of motion change were superior in group 1. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference between the two groups in functional and radiological results. But, there were patient's complaints about length of surgical wound in group 1 and hardware irritation in group 2.