Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow  2015;18(1):21-27

doi:10.5397/cise.2015.18.1.21

Internal Fixation Using Clavicle Hook Plates for Distal Clavicle Fractures.

Kwang Yul KIM ; Hyung Chun KIM ; Sung Jun CHO ; Su Han AHN ; Dong Seon KIM

Keywords

Clavicle; Distal clavicle fracture; Hook plate; Complication

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To report the radiological and clinical outcomes of internal fixation using distal clavicle hook plates for distal clavicle fractures. METHODS: From April 2008 to December 2012, 32 patients with distal clavicle fractures underwent surgery using an AO hook plate. The reduction was qualified and evaluated according to the radiological findings. The evaluation of the clinical outcomes was performed with the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score, the Korean Shoulder score, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score. RESULTS: By radiological evaluation, we found that 31 of 32 patients showed anatomical reduction and solid bone union. Although we obtained satisfactory UCLA scores, Korean Shoulder Scale scores, and VAS pain scores, 12 cases of complications were present. We found 4 cases of osteolysis of the acromion, 1 case of nonunion, 3 cases of periprosthetic fractures, 3 cases of subacromial pain, and 1 case of skin irritation. We performed re-operations in 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: To avoid complications associated with clavicle hook plates, choosing the appropriate hook size and bending of the hook according to the slope of the acromion undersurface is critical. Also, we believe that early removal of clavicle plates may help reduce complications.