[Complex fractures of the clavicles lateral third]

Fractures of the lateral third of the clavicle represent 18% of all clavicle fractures. Even though non-displaced fractures can be managed conservatively, displaced fractures have a non-union percentage of 30%. Multiple approaches have been proposed to manage the displaced fractures. The objective of this study was to record the prevalence of fractures of the lateral third of the clavicle with involvement of the clavicular-acromial joint, as well as to briefly review the treatment performed in our center and compare it with the current literature.

Retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive and observational study, which consisted in a review of the records of patients with a diagnosis of fracture of the lateral third of the clavicle with an injury to the clavicular-acromial joint.

Lateral third fractures accounted for 24% of all clavicle fractures. Distribution by sex: 10: 2, men: women. Left shoulder predominance, 8:4. The predominant maneuvers were anatomical plate for the lateral third of the clavicle (50% of the cases), coracoclavicular cerclage technique plus resection of the lateral third of the clavicle (25%), plate hook (8.3%), Mumford combined with Waever/Dunn (8.3%), anchor plus Kirschner rods (8.3%).

The choice of the appropriate treatment will depend on the type of fracture and specific characteristics of each patient. We suggest the use of the coracoclavicular cerclage technique in cases in which the lateral fragment is multifragmented, irreducible or smaller in size than its osteosynthesis would allow, performing plasty of clavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments.