Functional outcome of plating for displaced middle third clavicle fractures in adults

Abstract

Introduction: Clavicle fractures are the common fractures around the shoulder. Conservative treatment is as­sociated with higher incidence of nonunion. We conducted this study to assess the functional outcome of plat­ing for displaced middle third clavicle fractures.

Methods: This prospective study included 60 patients with displaced middle third clavicle fractures from April 2016 to March 2017. Fixation was done with a 3.5 mm reconstruction plate placed at the superior surface of the clavicle. Patients were followed-up for a minimum of one year. Functional outcome was assessed using Constant shoulder score.

Results: There were 48 male and 12 female patients with a mean age of 33.17 years (range 18-74 years). The average follow-up period was 17.82 months. All fractures united at an average of 5.35 months. The mean Constant score at final follow-up was 89.12. There were two superficial infections and three implant failures.

Conclusion: We conclude that treat­ment of displaced middle third clavicle fracture with plate gives good results.