Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis using anterior-inferior plating of clavicular midshaft fractures

Abstract

Introduction: This study evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of acute displaced clavicular midshaft fractures treated with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO).

Materials and methods: Fifteen patients with acute displaced clavicular midshaft fractures underwent MIPO. A locking reconstruction plate was applied on the anterior aspect of the clavicle through two small incisions. Functional outcomes were assessed using range of shoulder motion and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score. Radiological evaluation included time to union, fracture healing, and clavicular length difference measured as proportional length difference with the unaffected side.

Results: All fractures healed within a mean of 15.1 weeks postoperatively. The mean proportional length difference was 0.66 ± 2.2% compared with the unaffected arm. Shoulder motion recovered to pre-injury activity level in all patients. The UCLA shoulder scores showed excellent results in 13 patients and good results in two patients. Nonunion and implant failures were not found in any patients. One patient complained of temporary hypoesthesia around the lateral clavicle area.

Conclusions: MIPO using anterior-inferior plating for acute displaced clavicular midshaft fractures provided satisfactory clinical outcomes without serious complications and could be an effective alternative option to conventional operative treatments.