Surgical Outcome of Unstable Distal Clavicle Fractures

Abstract

[Purpose]The outcome of three common procedures for unstable fracture of the distal clavicle was compared in this study.
[Materials and methods] Pins and wires (Zm), Wolter's clavicular plate (Wm) or Recohook plate fixation (Rm) was performed in 41 shoulders out of 65 unstable distal clavicle fractures ( Craig's classification type II A: 15, II B: 9, V: 17). There were 34 males and 7 females, aged between 18 and 86. These 41 shoulders were followed-up until the removal of implants. Their fixation period, bone union, residual deformity and breakage or loosening of materials were evaluated. The statistical differences among the three procedures were examined by X2 test(p<0.05).
[Results] The fixation period of Rm was statistically shorter than the others. A non-union was seen in 4 shoulders, including 3 of type V, but there was no statistical difference in the union rate among the procedures. Rm showed the best results with regard to residual deformity unless type V fracture occupied 50% in this procedure group. Material breakages were seen in 5 of the Zm and 2 of the Wm.
[Conclusion] Rm was superior to Zm or Wm in the fixation period of residual deformity and material problems.