Stabilization of unstable distal clavicle fractures (Neer ⅡB) with lateral clavicle anatomic locking compression plate / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore clinical and radiographic outcomes of unstable distal clavicle fractures (Neer ⅡB) fixed with lateral clavicle anatomic locking compression plate (LCP).Methods Between January 2009 and October 2010,eleven consecutive patients with unstable fractures of the distal clavicle (Neer ⅡB) were treated using lateral clavicle anatomic LCP.There were 9 men and 2 women,with the mean age of 37.2 years (range,23-43 years).The right shoulder was involved in 6 patients and the left in 5 patients.The interval between injuries to operation was 24-72 h (mean,48 h).After fracture reduction,the plate was place on superior of the distal clavicle.According to the distal fragment length,3 to 6 locking screws were carefully inserted,3 locking screws were used to fix proximal fractures.Coracoclavicular ligament was not repaired.Functional recovery of the shoulder joint was assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) rating scale score.Plain radiographs of clavicles were used to assess bony union.Results All the patients were followed up for 9 to 12 months (mean,10.3 months).Solid bony union was eventually achieved in all patients.The mean ASES scores were 89.1 (range,84-91) on the injured side versus 96.2 (range,94-100) on the contralateral side.No implant-related fracture,fixation failure and rotator cuff injury occurred.Conclusion Lateral clavicle anatomic LCP fixation in the treatment of distal clavicular fractures is a reliable and simple technique.