LC-DC plating with bone graft in posttraumatic nonunions in the middle third of the clavicle

Nonunions and malunions of the clavicle are uncommon but can be disabling, causing pain, limitation of shoulder motion or local brachial plexus compression. Reconstructive procedures are focused on gaining union and restoring functional clavicular anatomy. We would like to present a surgical procedure in which an autologous iliac crest graft and a 3.5 mm low contact-dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) are used to regain clavicular stability and union. Surgery was performed in all eight patients for symptomatic nonunion. Eight patients treated by this method between 1991-1996 showed clinical and radiological union after an average follow-up time of eight months. All patients were highly satisfied with the surgical result. The advantages of the LC-DCP in the internal fixation of clavicular nonunions with its demanding anatomical and biomechanical characteristics are presented.