Abstract

Background: Lateral end clavicle fractures account for 12 to 15% of clavicle fractures [1]. With various recommendations for treating fracture of lateral end of the clavicle, unfortunately there is no reference standard treatment recommendation for this fracture. The unstable nature of these fractures makes them more prone for non-union and impeding the normal shoulder function. Recently, precontoured clavicular locking compression plate with broad lateral end has been introduced that enables stable angular fixation of distal fragment regardless of bone quality, reduces the risk of above foresaid complications.

Objectives: To evaluate the clinico-radiological and functional outcomes of lateral end clavicular fractures using precontoured lateral clavicle locking compression plate with broad lateral end.

Materials and methods: After screening of patients, a total of 79 cases, who were enrolled in the study, were subjected for surgical management of lateral end clavicular fractures with precontoured lateral clavicle locking plate. All the patients were followed up clinically and radiologically at the immediate post op period and at the end of 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. The efficacy and functional outcome of precontoured lateral clavicle locking plate were charted according to DASH scores. All cases were followed up for complications and were treated accordingly.

Results: In our study, 79 cases underwent surgical management with precontoured lateral clavicle locking plate. The results were analysed according to DASH scores showed excellent in 43 cases (54.43%), good in 32 cases (40.50%) and poor in 4 cases (5.06%). The correlation analysis with Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) was 0.712 which show highly positive correlation between union of lateral end clavicular fracture and precontoured lateral clavicle locking plate.

Conclusion: We recommend the usage of precontoured clavicular locking compression plate with broad lateral end enables stable angular fixation of distal fragment regardless of bone quality and reduces the risk of complications.

Keywords: Lateral end clavicular fractures; Precontoured lateral clavicle locking plate; DASH score