A Clinical Study on Role of Different Types of Plates in Surgical Management of Middle one Third Clavicle Fracture in Adults

Background:Fractures of the clavicle is one of the most common injures of human skeleton. It has been traditionally treated nonoperatively.

Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the outcome of different types of plates in surgical management of middle one third clavicle fracture in adults.

Methods: Thirty two adult patients with middle one third clavicular fractures treated surgically between July2011 to May 2013 were included for this study. 22 middle third clavicle fractures were fixed with reconstruction plate and screws and six middle third clavicle fractures were fixed with semitubular plate and screws and 4 middle third clavicle fractures were fixed with dynamic compression plate and screws. The functional outcome compared.

Result: Among 32 patients with middle third clavicle fracture treated with plate and screws 30 fractures united at an average of 11.13 weeks.

Conclusion: Clavicle fractures are usually treated conservatively but there are specific indications for which operative treatment is needed like comminuted, displaced middle third clavicle fractures. In this study reconstruction plates were used as it can be contoured to the shape of the clavicle. Semitubular plates were used in 6 patients and it had no complications but it was difficult to contour. Dynamic compression plate is strong but it gives excessive prominence through the skin and it is difficult to contour.