Background: Unstable distal clavicles experience high non-union rates, prompting surgeons to recommend surgery for more predictable outcomes. There is a lack of consensus on the optimal method of surgical fixation, with an array of techniques described in the literature. We describe an alternative method of fixation involving the use of a distal clavicular anatomical locking plate with Fibertape cerclage augmentation in our series of patients. Methods: Nine patients (8 males and 1 female), with a mean age of 36 years, who sustained unstable fracture of the distal clavicle in our institution were treated with our described technique. Postoperative range of motion, functional and pain scores, and time to radiographic union were measured over a mean follow-up period of 10 months. Incidences of postoperative complications were also recorded. Results: At the last patient consult, the mean visual analog scale score was 0.88±0.35, with a mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score of 1.46±0.87 and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score of 94.1±3.57. The mean range of motion achieved was forward flexion at 173°±10.6°, abduction at 173°±10.6°, and external rotation at 74.4°±10.5°. All patients achieved internal rotation at a vertebral height of at least L2 with radiographical union at a mean of 10 weeks. No removal of implants was required. Conclusions Our described technique of augmented fixation of the distal clavicle is effective, produces good clinical outcomes, and has minimal complications.

PURPOSE: To assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of coronoid process fractures surgically managed with buttress plate fixation via a medial approach. METHODS: A retrospective review of all coronoid fractures surgically fixed in our institution using a buttress plate technique via a medial approach between June 2012 and April 2015 by the senior author was performed. These fractures were all sizeable fractures contributing to persistent elbow instability in terrible triad or varus posteromedial rotatory instability injury patterns. A prospective telephone questionnaire was conducted to assess patient outcomes using the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score and Mayo hlbow performance score (MEPS). RESULTS: Twelve patients were included in the study, comprising 10 males and 2 females with an average age of 39 years (range, 19-72 years). Mean follow-up was 16 months (range, 4-18 months). The average time to radiographic union was 4 months (range, 3-7 months). Range of motion measurements at final follow-up were obtained in 11 out of 12 patients, with one patient defaulting follow-up. All 11 patients displayed a functional elbow range of motion of at least 30°-130°, with an average arc of motion of 130° (range, 110° -140°), mean elbow flexion of 134° (range, 110° -140°) and mean flexion contracture of 3° (range, 0° -20°). The mean DASH score was 16 (range, 2.5-43.8) and the mean MEPS was 75 (range, 65-100). Complications observed included one patient with a superficial wound infection which resolved with a course of oral antibiotics and one patient with radiographic evidence of heterotopic ossification which was conservatively managed. No residual elbow instability was observed and no reoperations were performed. CONCLUSION Buttress plate fixation via a medial approach of coronoid process fractures that contribute to persistent elbow instability represents a reliable method of treatment that produces satisfactory and predictable outcomes.

Background: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), first introduced as a management option for cuff tear arthropathy, is now an accepted treatment for complex proximal humeral fractures. Few studies have identified whether the outcomes of RSA for shoulder trauma are comparable to those of RSA for shoulder arthritis. Methods: This is a retrospective, single-institution cohort study of all patients who underwent RSA at our institution between January 2013 and December 2019. In total, 49 patients met the inclusion criteria. As outcomes, we evaluated the 1-year American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Constant shoulder scores, postoperative shoulder range of motion, intra- and postoperative complications, and cumulative revision rate. The patients were grouped based on preoperative diagnosis to compare postoperative outcomes across two broad groups. Results: The median follow-up period was 32.8 months (interquartile range, 12.6–66.6 months). The 1-year visual analog scale, range of motion, and Constant and ASES functional scores were comparable between RSAs performed to treat shoulder trauma and that performed for arthritis. The overall complication rate was 20.4%, with patients with a preoperative diagnosis of arthritis having significantly more complications than those with a preoperative diagnosis of trauma (34.8% vs. 7.7%). Conclusions Patients who underwent RSA due to a proximal humeral fracture or dislocation did not fare worse than those who underwent RSA for arthritis at 1 year, in terms of both functional and radiological outcomes.