Efficacy of fixation with TightRope plate combined with hollow screw in treatment of Neer type ⅡB distal clavicle fracture

Yiyong ZHU; Xiaofeng LIU; Yong LIU; Wenjie GE; Jie LIANG

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of fixation with TightRope plate combined with hollow screw in the minimally invasive surgery for fresh Neer type Ⅱ B distal clavicle fracture.

Methods:

From January 2014 to December 2018, 27 patients with fresh Neer type Ⅱ B distal clavicle fractures underwent minimally invasive surgery using TightRope plate and hollow screw for fixation. The distal clavicle fracture was repositioned, and then the medial and lateral margins of coracoid base were located by Kirschner wires. A 0.8 cm incision was made on the skin above the undamaged clavicle more than 1.0 cm from the innermost side of fracture line. Under the guidance of X-ray, after drilling needle and reaming on the clavicle and the coracoid base, the medial side of clavicle fracture was fixed by TightRope plate. After drilling needle obliquely from the anterior lateral margin to the posterior medial one at the distal clavicle, a hollow screw of 3.0 mm in diameter was used to fix the clavicle fracture.

Results:

All operations were successful. Patients were followed up from 12 to 24 months and bone union was achieved from 8 to 20 weeks. The range of motion of shoulder joint was nearly normal at about 8 weeks after operation. At the last follow-up, the curative effect was excellent in 25 cases and good in 2 cases according to Constant-Murley standard.

Conclusion:

The minimally invasive surgery with TightRope plate and hollow screw is effective for Neer type Ⅱ B distal clavicle fracture, with simple manipulation, less cosmetic defect, rapid function rehabilitation, and short hospital stay.