Good to Excellent Functional Outcome and High Return to Sports Rate after Operative Treatment of Unstable Lateral Clavicle Fractures: Comparison of Two Coracoclavicular Button Fixation Techniques

Purpose: Operative therapy for unstable lateral clavicle fractures is necessary to reduce the risk of bony non-union. Irritation and restriction during sportive activities due to the implanted materials are a common reason for impaired function and implant removal. The aim of this study was to gain information on functional outcome and time until return to sport (RTS) after surgical treatment of unstable lateral clavicle fractures, comparing two coracoclavicular button techniques. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients who were consecutively treated for unstable lateral clavicle fractures at our level one trauma center from 2014 to 2018 was conducted. Two different surgical techniques were evaluated and compared. Group 1 was treated using a locking compression plate and knotted DogBone™ Button, while group 2 received an LCP and knotless DogBone™ Button. Functional outcome (ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Score), Constant-Score, DASH (Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand), MSQ (Munich Shoulder Questionnaire) and SPADI (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index) and time until RTS were investigated and compared between both groups, 1 year postoperatively. Results: A total of 56 patients (n = 35 group 1, n = 21 group 2) with a mean age of 45.1 ± 14.6 years met the inclusion criteria. Functional outcome reached good to excellent results (ASES 94.7 ± 9.8, Constant Score 85.1 ± 8.1, DASH 5.5 ± 8.4, MSQ 90.9 ± 7.2, SPADI 96.1 ± 5.7). Implant removal rates were higher in group 1 (48.3% vs. 35.3%) yet without statistical significance (p = 0.122). All patients returned to sports postoperatively with a mean time period until return to sport of 4.6 (3–9) months. Conclusion: Locking compression plating and coracoclavicular fixation using a knotless Dogbone ™ technique provides good to excellent functional outcomes, a high and fast rate of return to sport and lower irritation rates compared to the knotted DogBone ™ technique.

Comparing the locking screw direction of three locking plates for lateral clavicle fractures: a simulation study

Background The locking plate is a useful treatment for lateral clavicle fractures, however, there are limits to the fragment size that can be fixed. The current study aimed to measure the screw angles of three locking plates for lateral clavicle fractures. In addition, to assess the number of screws that can be inserted in different fragment sizes, to elucidate the size limits for locking plate fixation. Methods The following three locking plates were analyzed: the distal clavicle plate [Acumed, LLC, Oregon, the USA], the LCP clavicle plate lateral extension [Depuy Synthes, LLC, PA, the USA], and the HAI clavicle plate [HOMS Engineering, Inc., Nagano, Japan]. We measured the angles between the most medial and lateral locking screws in the coronal plane and between the most anterior and posterior locking screws in the sagittal plane. A computer simulation was used to position the plates as laterally as possible in ten normal three-dimensional clavicle models. Lateral fragment sizes of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 mm were simulated in the acromioclavicular joint, and the number of screws that could be inserted in the lateral fragment was assessed. Subsequently, the area covered by the locking screws on the inferior surface of the clavicle was measured. Results The distal clavicle plate had relatively large screw angles (20° in the coronal plane and 32° in the sagittal plane). The LCP clavicle lateral extension had a large angle (38°) in the sagittal plane. However, the maximum angle of the HAI clavicle plate was 13° in either plane. The distal clavicle plate allowed most screws to be inserted in each size of bone fragment. For all locking plates, all screws could be inserted in 25 mm fragments. The screws of distal clavicle plate covered the largest area on the inferior surface of the clavicle. Conclusions Screw angles and the numbers of screws that could be inserted in the lateral fragment differed among products. Other augmented fixation procedures should be considered for fractures with fragment sizes < 25 mm that cannot be fixed with a sufficient number of screws.

A Case Report of the Reconstruction of a Bone Defect Following Resection of a Comminuted Fracture of the Lateral Clavicle Using a Titanium Prosthesis

Introduction: This case report describes the reconstruction of a severe comminuted fracture and bone defect in the lateral half of the clavicle using a novel titanium prosthesis. This unique prosthesis has been specifically designed and three dimensionally printed for the clavicle, as opposed to the Oklahoma cemented composite prosthesis used in common practice. The aims of this study were to: (1) describe the prosthesis, its stress analysis, and its surgical fixation and (2) to demonstrate the results of the 2-year follow-up of the patient with the lateral clavicle prosthesis.Patient's Main Concerns: A 20-year-old, right-handed woman complaining of severe pain in the right shoulder was admitted to our hospital following a traffic accident. Physical examination revealed pain, swelling, tenderness, limb weakness, asymmetric posturing, and loss of function in the right shoulder.Diagnosis, Intervention, and Outcomes: Radiographic evaluation in the emergency room showed complete destruction with a comminuted fracture of the lateral half of the right clavicle and a comminuted fracture of the coracoid. We designed a new prosthesis for the lateral half of the clavicle, which was then tested by finite element analysis and implanted. Use of the new prosthesis was effective in the reconstruction of the comminuted fracture in the lateral half of the clavicle. After 2 years of follow-up, the patient had an aesthetically acceptable curve and was able to perform her activities of daily living. Her pain was relieved, and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score improved. Active range of motion of the shoulder joint and muscle strength were also improved.Conclusion: This novel prosthesis is recommended for reconstruction of the lateral half of the clavicle following development of bony defects due to fracture. Our patient achieved functional and aesthetic satisfaction with this prosthesis.

Transmural supraspinatus tendon tear caused by suture anchor tip 19-month postacromioclavicular joint stabilisation

Rotator cuff injuries present rarely in paediatric patients due to the tendon strength at this age. There are reports of ruptures caused by either irritation of the lateral clavicle or acromioclavicular (AC) joint in fractures or after usage of hook plates. In this case report, we present a patient with an acute complete supraspinatus rupture caused by a suture anchor tip from a previously performed AC joint stabilisation. After the diagnosis of a new complete supraspinatus, the causative prominent suture anchor was removed, and the tendon subsequently repaired. This case highlights the close anatomic relation of the AC joint and the rotator cuff, which is imperative to adequately address in injuries to this anatomical location.

288 Management of Lateral Third Clavicle Fractures: A Five-Year Review in a Regional Trauma Unit

Introduction Due to an increased risk of complications, lateral clavicle fractures are usually managed operatively. Unfortunately, there is no consensus on the optimal method of fixation. Method We assessed practice in our regional trauma unit by retrospectively identifying patients who underwent fixation of a lateral clavicle fracture between 1st August 2014 and 31st July 2019. Data was extracted from electronic care records and imaging systems. Results 44 patients were included, with the following demographics: mean age 26 years, 63.6% male, 65.9% high energy injury, and 68.2% Neer II fracture. The following operations were performed; hook plate fixation (HPF) = 10, locking plate fixation (LPF) = 16, coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction (CCLR) = 12, and LPF + CCLR = 6. Patients having LPF had a significantly larger post-operative coracoclavicular distance (7.6mm vs 13.5mm, p &lt; 0.01), and a trend towards incomplete acromioclavicular joint reduction (50.0% vs 89.3%, p = 0.11). There was a significantly higher re-operation rate after HPF (100% vs 23.5%, p &lt; 0.01). Conclusions In our unit there is no favoured method of fixation of lateral clavicle fractures. When LPF is used, there should be consideration of concomitant CCLR. The high rate of re-operation after HPF must be considered.