Surgical Fixation of Clavicle Shaft Fractures Using Superior Locking Plates With Lateral End Extension: A...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Non-operative management of clavicle fractures often results in high non-union rates and poor functional outcomes.
• Surgical fixation is increasingly favored, but consensus on the ideal implant is lacking due to varied outcomes and complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the Superior Clavicle Locking plate with lateral extension for treating clavicle shaft fractures.
• To assess functional outcomes, pain levels, range of motion, and radiological union in patients treated with this implant.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study involving 40 active adult patients (predominantly male, average age 36.7 years) with clavicle shaft fractures.
• Fractures were stabilized using a Superior Clavicle Locking plate with lateral extension.
• Data collected included pain, mobilization, return to activity, range of motion, radiological union, and QuickDASH scores.

Main Results:

• All patients achieved full range of motion by eight weeks and returned to pre-injury activity levels by four months.
• Radiological union was observed in all but one patient by five months.
• QuickDASH scores were below 25 on discharge, indicating minimal disability.

Conclusions:

• The superior clavicle locking plate with lateral extension provides stable fixation, particularly lateral to the fracture site.
• This implant is a suitable option for surgical stabilization of clavicle shaft fractures in active adults, promoting good functional recovery.