Functional outcome of lateral clavicular fractures treated with locking plate: A prospective study

Abstract

Background: Lateral clavicular fracture accounts for has 25% of all clavicle fractures. Non-operative modalities are associated with high incidence of non-union (22%-50%). Union rate of up to 95% can be achieved with surgical management. Treatment with hook plates or K-wires are associated with high complication rates of up to 22%. Recently use of newly available precontoured clavicular locking plate with lateral extension has become popular.Objectives: To evaluate functional outcome of the patients with lateral clavicle fracture treated lateral locking plate using Constant – Murley Score, DASH Score, UCLA Shoulder Rating ScoreMethods: The study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics, BPKIHS, a tertiary care hospital in eastern Nepal, over a period of 12 months from August 2020 to July 2021. Patients with closed lateral clavicle fracture between ages 18-45 years were included. Fifty eight cases were included and analyzed for functional outcome using Constant-Murley score, DASH score and UCLA shoulder rating score.Results: The mean Constant-Murley score at 6 months follow-up was 91.68 ± 2.81. The mean DASH score at 6 months was 6.42 ± 2.74. Similarly, the mean UCLA shoulder rating score at 6 months was 31.27 ± 1.81. The mean time for union was 14.89 weeks. There were 2 cases of superficial surgical site infection.Conclusion: Use of locking plates with broad lateral extension has shown to result in good functional outcome, high union rate and minimal complication.