Current Concepts in the Treatment of Fractures of the Clavicle

Comparison of the efficacy of a distal clavicular locking plate versus a clavicular hook plate in the treatment of unstable distal clavicle fractures and a systematic literature review

“…The classification and treatment of distal clavicle fractures depend on where the fracture occurs in relation to the conoid and trapezoid ligaments. Neer [22] [13,[22][23][24][25].…”

Shortening of clavicle after fracture: Incidence and clinical significance, a 5-year follow-up of 85 patients

“…Several authors (Neer 1963, Neviaser 1963, Zenni et al 1981, Jager and Breitner 1984, Eskola et al 1986, Post 1989, Schwartz and Hocker 1992, Faithful and Lam 1993, Simpson and Jupiter 1996 have reported an increased incidence of persistent shoulder disability after closed treatment of displaced clavicle fractures in adults. Our findings, however, indicate that closed treatment of such fractures, including those with fragment displacement, in most cases results in normal, painfree function, despite functional shortening in nearly half of the cases.…”

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

“…2,5,7,8 The procedures using K wire fixation, Steinman pin fixation result in low resistance to torque, carry risks of pin loosening and infection, and require a longterm fixation period. 9,10 Plate osteosynthesis gives better torque resistance and obtaining anatomical reduction and compression of the fracture site, but the plates have to be bent to achieve the shape of clavicle and the fixation was difficult in communited fractures. 9,10 New generation plates like pre-contoured anatomical plates are light weight, thin and give good anatomical reduction, tolerates multidirectional stress, torque and because of its locking property it gives rigid fixation in the old age osteoporotic patients.…”