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Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research®

Published in:

01-12-2011 | Symposium: Fractures of the Shoulder Girdle

Precontoured Plating of Clavicle Fractures: Decreased Hardware-related Complications?

Authors: Corinne VanBeek, MD, Karen J. Boselli, MD, Edwin R. Cadet, MD, Christopher S. Ahmad, MD, William N. Levine, MD

Published in: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® | Issue 12/2011

Abstract

Background

Operative treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures reportedly decreases the risk of symptomatic malunion, nonunion, and residual shoulder disability. Plating these fractures, however, may trade these complications for hardware-related problems. Low-profile anatomically precontoured plates may reduce the rates of plate prominence and hardware removal.

Questions/purposes

We compared the outcomes after precontoured and noncontoured superior plating of acute displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Primary outcomes were rate of plate prominence, rate of hardware removal, and rate of complications. Secondary outcomes were ROM and pain and function scores.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 52 patients with 52 acute, displaced midshaft clavicle fractures treated with either noncontoured or precontoured superior clavicle plate fixation. Fourteen patients with noncontoured plates and 28 with precontoured plates were available for followup at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. Postoperative assessment included ROM, radiographs, and subjective scores including visual analog scale for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons questionnaire, and Simple Shoulder Test.

Results

Patients complained of prominent hardware in nine of 14 in the noncontoured group and nine of 28 in the precontoured group. Hardware removal rates were three of 14 in the noncontoured group and three of 28 in the precontoured group. Postoperative ROM and postoperative subjective scores were similar in the two groups.

Conclusions

Precontoured plating versus noncontoured plating of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures results in a lower rate of plate prominence in patients who do not undergo hardware removal.

Level of Evidence

Level III, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

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Title: Precontoured Plating of Clavicle Fractures: Decreased Hardware-related Complications?
Authors: Corinne VanBeek, MD
Karen J. Boselli, MD
Edwin R. Cadet, MD
Christopher S. Ahmad, MD
William N. Levine, MD
Publication date: 01-12-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® / Issue 12/2011
Print ISSN: 0009-921X
Electronic ISSN: 1528-1132
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-011-1868-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Precontoured Plating of Clavicle Fractures: Decreased Hardware-related Complications?

Abstract

Background

Questions/purposes

Patients and Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of Evidence

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Questions/purposes

Patients and Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of Evidence

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