Functional outcome of midshaft clavicle fractures treated with a pre-contoured locking plate: A prospective study

Introduction: Traditionally, displaced mid clavicular fractures have been treated with conservative methods. Conservative methods like strapping gives mediocre results. The present study has been undertaken to study the role of pre-contoured locking compression plate in the fixation of mid-third clavicle fractures. Materials and Methods: 40 patients with mid-shaft clavicle fractures (Robinson 2B) with displacement >2 cms were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with a pre-contoured locking plate and functional outcome through 3 months was assessed. Results: Union was seen radiologically in all the fractures by 10-12 weeks. The average Constant-Murley score at 3 months was 93.5. None of our patients had complications like malunion, wound dehiscence, hardware irritation, early mechanical failure, incisional numbness, infections and neurovascular damage. There were 4 patients with hardware prominence, 2 cases of hypertrophic scar formation, 2 patients with delayed union at 18 weeks and 1 case of plate loosening. Conclusions: Pre-contoured locking plate fixation in displaced fractures of clavicle allows earlier return to a pain free functional shoulder.