Evaluation of Outcome of Shaft of Clavicular Fractures Treated with Locking Compression Plates and Screws

Abstract

Background: Clavicular fracture is a common traumatic condition encountered around shoulder region in adult population, while shaft of fractures are found to be a most common variety. Management trends have changed in recent years from conservative to surgery, considering the higher rates of malunion, nonunion and poorer functional outcomes when managed non-operatively. An open reduction and internal fixation with locking compression plates has been a backbone of treatment of these fractures for several years with the aim of anatomical reduction, stable fixation and early rehabilitation of affected shoulder. Objective: To evaluate the outcome of Shaft of clavicular fractures managed surgically with locking compression plates. Methods and materials: Prospective study of 20 adult patients with shaft of clavicular fractures managed surgically with locking compression plates from December 2019 to February 2020 at the department of orthopaedics of Sher-E-Bangla Medical College, Barishal, Bangladesh. Outcomes were evaluated radiologically as well as functionally on the basis of Constant and Murley's scoring system. Results: Union was achieved in 98% patients with an average duration of 4.16 months with standard deviatio were excellent in 80% and good in 17%. There were two major complications, one requiring reoperation and hardware emoval due to deep infection while other went into nonunion. One patient sustained re-fracture within 2 weeks following implant removal after another trauma. Conclusion: Outcome of surgery was satisfactory with desirable result in almost all of the patients. The surgery was simple, easy to perform and was free from radiation exposure.