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Clinical Trial
. 2010 Apr;130(4):507-11.
doi: 10.1007/s00402-009-0993-7. Epub 2009 Nov 10.

Anterior-inferior plating of middle-third fractures of the clavicle

Chin-En Chen  1 , Rei-Jahn Juhn, Jih-Yang Ko
Affiliations
Clinical Trial

Anterior-inferior plating of middle-third fractures of the clavicle

Chin-En Chen et al. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2010 Apr.

Abstract

Introduction: Various techniques have been reported for the treatment of middle-third clavicle (collar bone) fractures. This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the results of anterior-inferior plating using a 3.5-mm reconstruction plate for the treatment of middle-third clavicle fractures.

Patients and methods: Twenty-six patients with middle-third clavicle fractures were treated with anterior-inferior plating. The indications for surgery included complete displacement, severe comminution, and marked shortening of the clavicle (>2 cm).

Results: The mean time to union was 14 weeks (range 8-20 weeks). At the time of latest follow-up, all of the patients had returned to their pre-injury activity level. The plates were removed in ten patients after the fractures healed. No patients required plate removal due to implant-related problems.

Conclusion: Anterior-inferior plating is an effective treatment modality for middle-third clavicle fractures, with few complications and early return of shoulder function. The procedure provides stable fixation, avoids risk to vital structures below the clavicle, and is associated with a low rate of implant-prominence problems.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The AO classification for diaphyseal fracture of the clavicle
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Anterior-inferior plating of a middle-third fracture of the clavicle
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Reconstruction plate prebent to match normal clavicle anatomy
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
A 51-year-old man who sustained a middle-third fracture of the clavicle. a Anteroposterior radiographs of the shoulder showing displaced fracture of the right clavicle. b Radiograph of the shoulder showing anterior-inferior plating with a seven-hole 3.5-mm reconstruction plate
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
A 60-year-old woman, who was involved in a traffic accident. a Radiograph of the right shoulder showing comminuted fracture of the middle third of the clavicle. b Radiograph of the right clavicle showing anterior-inferior plating with a reconstruction plate and multiple wiring
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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