Treatment of displaced distal clavicle fractures with a single cortical screw

The authors retrospectively evaluated the effects of a single cortical screw in the open reduction and internal fixation of displaced distal clavicle fractures. Fifteen patients without associated acromioclavicular joint dislocation were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with a single cortical screw (4.5-mm diameter, 60-mm length) between 2004 and 2011. Mean follow-up was 39.2 months (range, 13-84 months). Reduction with a fracture gap of less than 1 mm and solid union were achieved in all cases. Delayed superficial infection developed in 1 patient. All other patients had good to excellent final Constant-Murley functional results.