It is sometimes difficult to achieve rigid internal fixation and early shoulder ROM recovery in patients with distal clavicle fracture. We have developed an anatomical locking distal clavicle plate (NOW-J) through which a maximum of ten screws can be inserted to the distal fragment. We investigated the clinical results of obtained with the NOW-J plate for treatment of distal clavicle fractures. Ten patients (8 men and 2 women, mean age 54.9 years) were included in the study. The fracture types according to the Craig classification were Type I in 3 cases, Type IIA in 3 cases, Type IIB in 2 cases, and Type V in 2 cases. All the patients started postoperative rehabilitation on the day after the surgery. Bone union without displacement was achieved in all patients within 3 months after surgery. Shoulder elevation of 150° was achieved within 3 weeks after surgery in 9 cases. We conclude that the NOW-J is a useful plate for treatment of distal clavicle fracture because of the rigid fixation it provides. Further study is needed to clarify whether the NOW-J can be applied to more unstable fractures, distal comminuted fractures, and osteoporotic fractures.
