Long-term functional outcome assessment of plate fixation and autogenous bone grafting for clavicular non-union
Damien O'Connor1, Satish Kutty, John P McCabe
1Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Merlin Park Regional and University College Hospitals, Galway, Ireland.
Introduction:
The aim of our study was to assess the long-term functional and radiological outcome of clavicular non-union in patients treated with open reduction and bone grafting. A total of 24 non-unions treated between 1994 and 2001 were analysed using chart and radiological review and assessed with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) DASH questionnaire.
Results:
There were 13 males and 10 females with a mean age of 37.95 (range 21-65) years. One patient had bilateral injuries. The average time from injury to operation was 10.3 (range 4-29) months and the average follow-up post-operatively was 42.1 (range 6-75) months. All patients were treated using a dynamic compression or reconstruction plate with autogenous bone grafting. Twenty-two of the 24 non-unions eventually healed. DASH assessment indicated a higher level of disability in the treated group than found in the normal population. This only proved significant in the sub-population of patients with associated co-morbidities.
Conclusion:
We conclude that the long-term outcome results of this procedure indicate it to be a well-tolerated and successful operation in treating the disability and pain associated with clavicular non-union. Most patients return to a daily level of function close to the general population. Patients with associated co-morbidities should have these treated pre-operatively for best results.
