A Comparison of Outcome after Fixation of Unstable Lateral Third Clavicle Fractures, with Clavicular Hook Plate versus Precontoured Anatomical Locking Plate.

ABSTRACT

Lateral end clavicle fractures are of three types (Neer type- I, II, & III). In Neer Type-II, the fractures are very unstable due to damage to the coracoclavicular (CC) ligament. So, it is always treated surgically. This comparative cross-sectional prospective study compares the outcome after internal fixation of these fractures with clavicular hook plate and precontoured anatomical locking plate.METHODSThirty-two (32) patients attending the OPD and ER of R.G. Kar Medical College, Kolkata, having Neer Type-II fractures, were treated surgically within three weeks of injury using either clavicular hook plate (17 patients) or precontoured anatomical locking plate (15 patients) and then systematically reviewed. The relevant literature of the two fixation methods were studied to note union, infection, hardware prominence, implant failure, metaphyseal fracture and other complications. Constant-Murley score was also used for evaluation.RESULTSIn our study, with both the fixation modalities, union was achieved in all cases by three months. No impingement was noted. Patients having fixation with precontoured anatomical locking plate had better scores and returned earlier to better function than the other group (p value <0.0001).CONCLUSIONSPrecontoured anatomical locking plate might be a better option which provides better functional outcome.