Minimally invasive plating for fresh displaced midshaft fractures of the clavicle

The authors retrospectively reviewed 269 patients treated from September 2006 to August 2011 with the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique using a universal reconstruction ribbon plate for fresh displaced midshaft fracture of the clavicle. Mean follow-up was 40.6 months. All had bony union (average healing time, 14.6 weeks). At 2-month postoperative follow-up, the mean Constant-Murley score was 92 points and the mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was 4.6 points. A total of 166 patients underwent hardware removal at an average of 15 months. A total of 258 patients were satisfied with the results of this surgery. This technique appears to be safe, simple, effective, and practical and to lead to rapid recovery, a high rate of union, a favorable cosmetic effect, and excellent function restoration. Thus, it can be considered an alternative to conventional plate osteosynthesis, intramedullary fixation, or non-operative treatment for fresh displaced midshaft clavicle fractures.