Early Results of Unstable (Neer's Type II) Distal Clavicle Fractures Treated with Superior Anterior Locking Plate - A Prospective Study

Distal clavicle fractures account for approximately 2128 % of all fractures of the clavicle. They are associated with increased risk of non union (rate22-25 %) with conservative treatment. Superior anterior locking plate system is one of the newer surgical treatment option with certain advantages over other surgical implants. Aims and objectives To evaluate functional results and outcome of unstable distal clavicle fracture using Anterior superior locking plate by open reduction technique. Materials& methods 10 Adult patients with Neer classification type IIa and type IIb distal clavicle fractures treated at our hospital with anterior superior locking plate. They were followed up for functional outcome using Murleys constant score and radiological union till average of 14 months. Results All fractures united well with an average time of 7.5 weeks. Constant score showed excellent result in 8 cases and good result in 2 cases. The average Constant score was 97.8 (range95-99). Conclusion Displaced distal clavicle fractures (Neers type 2) treated with superior anterior locking plates achieved excellent results in terms of bony union and satisfactory functional outcome with rarely any early complications and demonstrates promising results with early plate fixation with this new technique.