The Surgical Outcomes of Clavicle Lateral End Fractures Fixed with the Oblique T Locking Compession Plate

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the surgical outcomes of the clavicle lateral end fracture fixed with an oblique T locking compression plate (LCP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen clavicle lateral end fractures were fixed with the oblique T-LCP and followed up for at least 1 year after the surgery. Thirteen cases were unstable Neer type II fractures and one case was nonunion of the Neer type I fracture. The mean age was 46 years of age (range, 26~70). In ten cases, augmenting sutures with the absorbable suture material were placed in the coraco-clavicular ligament and around the plate and the clavicle to improve the stability of fracture fixation. Autogenous iliac bone graft was done in four cases. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by using UCLA scoring system and KSS (Korean Shoulder Score). RESULTS: The mean UCLA score was 33.5 and the mean KSS was 94.9. Average time of bone union was 11.9 weeks (range, 6~28), including 1 case with a delayed union. There was no complication such as loss of fixation or nonunion. CONCLUSION: Fixation with the oblique T-LCP is a good option providing reliable functional results in clavicle lateral end fractures.

Comparison of Outcomes for Unstable Distal Radius Intraarticular Fractures: T-locking Compression Plate versus External Fixator

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes between T-locking compression plate (T-LCP) and external fixator (EF) for unstable distal radius intraarticular fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the results in 22 cases with T-LCP, 20 cases with EF. We evaluated the clinical results according to the Mayo Wrist Scoring System, radiographic results. RESULTS: The mean score was 84.6 in the T-LCP group and 80.5 in the EF group respectively. Final radiographic measurements for the T-LCP group averaged 10.5 mm radial length, 21.7degrees radial inclination, 9.8degrees volar tilt and 0.25 mm intraarticular step-off. The EF group averaged 10.1 mm radial length, 20.3 degrees radial inclination, 6.3 degrees volar tilt and 0.73 mm intraarticular step-off. CONCLUSION: Both groups showed satisfactory final clinical outcomes. But T-LCP group allowed return to daily living, resulting in early postsurgical wrist motion. By the anatomical reduction, final volar tilt, intraarticular step-off were statistically better in the T-LCP group.

Volar T-Locking Compression Plate for Treatment of Unstable Distal Radius Fractures

PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes volar T-locking compression plate for treatment of unstable distal radius fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the results in 35 cases, which were treated by volar plating with T-LCP. We evaluated the clinical results according to the Mayo wrist scoring system and radiographic results. RESULTS: The mean score was 83.86 respectively. Between preoperative and immediate postoperative radiographic measurements, averaged radial length was improved from 5.75 mm to 11.53 mm, radial inclination from 12.86 degrees to 22.56 degrees, volar tilt from -3.64 degrees to 9.90 degrees and intraarticular step-off from 1.48 mm to 0.42 mm. Between immediate postoperative and latest follow-up radiographic measurements, mean loss of radial length measured 0.43 mm, radial inclination 0.46 degrees, volar tilt 0.89 degrees. CONCLUSION: Treatment of unstable distal radius fractures using a volar T-LCP showed satisfactory outcomes. We think that it is good surgical option to allow return to daily living, result in early postsurgical wrist motion.