288 Management of Lateral Third Clavicle Fractures: A Five-Year Review in a Regional Trauma Unit

Abstract

Introduction Due to an increased risk of complications, lateral clavicle fractures are usually managed operatively. Unfortunately, there is no consensus on the optimal method of fixation. Method We assessed practice in our regional trauma unit by retrospectively identifying patients who underwent fixation of a lateral clavicle fracture between 1st August 2014 and 31st July 2019. Data was extracted from electronic care records and imaging systems. Results 44 patients were included, with the following demographics: mean age 26 years, 63.6% male, 65.9% high energy injury, and 68.2% Neer II fracture. The following operations were performed; hook plate fixation (HPF) = 10, locking plate fixation (LPF) = 16, coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction (CCLR) = 12, and LPF + CCLR = 6. Patients having LPF had a significantly larger post-operative coracoclavicular distance (7.6mm vs 13.5mm, p < 0.01), and a trend towards incomplete acromioclavicular joint reduction (50.0% vs 89.3%, p = 0.11). There was a significantly higher re-operation rate after HPF (100% vs 23.5%, p < 0.01). Conclusions In our unit there is no favoured method of fixation of lateral clavicle fractures. When LPF is used, there should be consideration of concomitant CCLR. The high rate of re-operation after HPF must be considered.