Comparative Analysis of Clavicular Hook Plate Versus Distal Radius Volar Plate With Coracoclavicular Augmentation for...

Background Clavicle fractures are common injuries in the adult population. The commonest site of fracture in the clavicle is the mid-shaft followed by the lateral end fracture. The anatomy and biomechanics of the lateral end clavicle make it prone to be unstable. Conservative management usually fails due to the deforming forces. Aim Our study evaluates pain relief, functional outcome, and the union rate in unstable lateral end clavicle fracture fixed by two different modalities of operative management, namely clavicular hook plate fixation and distal radius volar plate fixation. Materials and method A total of 60 patients with the unstable lateral end of clavicle fracture were evaluated in this study at a single tertiary care center between August 2015 and September 2021. Half of the patients (30 patients) were managed by open reduction and internal fixation with clavicular hook plate. The remaining half (30 patients) underwent open reduction and internal fixation by distal radius volar plate supplemented with coracoclavicular fixation. All patients were followed up for a mean duration of 20 months. The functional outcome was assessed at regular intervals by Constant score and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and the Hand (DASH) score for a period of one year. Result There was significant pain relief and improvement in the functional status of patients. The pain relief was significant in the group managed by distal radius volar plate. The decrease in DASH score and increase in Constant score suggests better functional outcomes in these patients. Conclusion Our study highlights the fact that the distal radius volar plate is an excellent alternative to the hook plate in the treatment of unstable lateral third clavicle fractures. The decrease in pain and improved functional outcome stresses the fact that the volar locking plate is the recent most advancement in the fracture fixation of Neer's type ll fractures. The distal radius volar plate is the recent internal fixation technique to manage unstable lateral end clavicle fractures.