Original Investigation

Anatomical Plate Fixation in Clavicle Shaft Fractures and Clinical Outcomes

10.5152/imj.2013.25

  • Alican Barış
  • Murat Mert
  • Ali Volkan Özlük
  • Engin Çarkçı
  • Osman Nuri Özyalvaç
  • Ahmet Şenel

Received Date: 18.08.2012 Accepted Date: 23.08.2012 İstanbul Med J 2013;14(2):90-93

Objective:

In our study, our aim was to investigate the anatomical plate fixation and the clinical outcomes of clavicle shaft fractures in adults.

Methods:

Fracture fixation was performed in 11 adult patients with a clavicular midshaft fracture that met the surgical criteria. Clinical and radiological follow-up information was obtained for all patients. The clavicle length was measured using computed tomography, and the ratio for short clavicle length was determined. Shoulder function was assessed with DASH and Constant scores. The results underwent statistical analysis.

Results:

There were 10 male and 1 female patients with a mean age of 35.6 years. The mean follow-up period was 27 months. Complete union was achieved in all patients. When the mean DASH score was measured as 5.17, the mean Constant score of 87.7 points was assessed as a good result.

Conclusion:

Although clavicle fractures are common, they are usually uncomplicated. Patients should be informed about the possibility of numbness at the incision site and cosmetic problems resulting from the incision scar and the material occasionally used for osteosynthesis.

Keywords: Clavicle fracture, short clavicle length, surgery, osteosynthesis with plate