Clinical outcome and complications of comminuted midshaft clavicle fractures treated with anatomical locking compression plate-a prospective study

Abstract

Fractures of the clavicle is one of the most common injures of human skeleton which used to be traditionally treated non-operatively. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the functional outcome in displaced midshaft comminuted clavicle fractures treated with anatomical locking compression plate. 40 patients included in the study between December 2016 to January 2018 with displaced comminuted midshaft clavicle fractures were treated surgically with anatomical locking plate and screws. 34 fractures united at an average of 11.24 weeks, 4 patients had delayed union, 2 patients had plate loosening and 3 patients had implant prominence and irritation. The functional outcome according to Constant and Murleyscore after fracture union in surgically treated midshaft one third clavicle fractures were excellent in 30 patients, good in 6 patients and fair in 2 Patient and poor in 2 patient. This study shows rigid fixation with anatomical locking compression plate and screws for displaced comminuted mid shaft clavicle fractures has excellent to good functional outcome in 90% of the cases and progress to predictable union and has acceptable complications rate.