Treatment of displaced lateral clavicular fractures with hook plate, a retrospective review

Abstract

Fractures of the clavicle have been treated historically by conservative means. However lateral end fractures of clavicle are known to be unstable due to injury to the coracoclavicular ligaments. Hook plate has been used in open reduction and internal fixation of displaced lateral end clavicle fractures. This is a retrospective study of 28 cases of displaced lateral end clavicle fractures treated with ORIF with hook plate, in our hospital between Jan 2009 to Feb 2012. Constant –Murley shoulder function scoring system and DASH scoring was used to evaluate shoulder function. Average Constant Murley score was 86.5 at 4.5 years follow up. Average DASH score was 2.65. Three patients exhibited radiological signs of acromio-clavivular joint arthrosis, and one was symptomatic. All patients achieved bony union. One patient had infection which necessitated debridement, but fracture united