Background: The clavicle is among the most commonly fractured bones. It can be managed nonoperatively or surgically. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery is the technique to help restore the clavicle’s anatomy and allow patients to rehabilitate sooner. The current study aims to assess the functional results and problems related to ORIF using plates for displaced midshaft clavicle fracture.
Methodology: This retrospective study was conducted in Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom. A total of 60 patients who underwent ORIF for displaced midshaft clavicle fracture in Birmingham’s Heartlands Hospital from 2016 to 2023 were included in this study. Selected patients were reviewed to determine demographic data, cause of injury, fracture classification, and postoperative complications. All chosen patients were assessed for functional outcomes (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire [DASH] score-based functional outcome measures).
Results: The mean age of patients was 34.75 ± 9.787 years (20-59 years). A total of 60 participants were included in the study, with 43 (71.7%) male and 17 (28.3%) female. In the majority of patients, the left side was affected (34 patients, 56.7%). The mode of injury was a fall from a bike or road traffic accident in 47 (78.3%) patients. The DASH score was excellent (98-100) in 49 (81.7%) patients, good to excellent (93-97) in 10 (16.7%) patients, and fair to good (82-92) in one (1.7%) patient. Of the total patients, 48.3% did not experience any complications. Among patients who developed complications, 20% of patients faced adhesive capsulitis or stiffness in the early postoperative period, which was treated with physiotherapy, followed by paresthesia over the surgical site, and anterior chest developed in 13.3%, followed by superficial infection in 3.3%.
Conclusions: ORIF for clavicle fractures ensures a high rate of bone union and improved functional outcomes after six months of surgery, with early pain relief and effective anatomical restoration. While it generally offers advantages over conservative methods, it is associated with a risk of adhesive capsulitis or stiffness.