Outcomes, Union Rate, and Complications After Operative and Nonoperative Treatments of Neer Type II Distal Clavicle Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 2284 Patients

Background: As nonoperative treatment of Neer type II distal clavicle fractures is associated with nonunion rates up to 33%, operative treatment is frequently advocated. However, evidence is lacking regarding which operative treatment to perform and whether this is superior to nonoperative treatment in terms of functional outcome and complication rate. Purpose: (1) To evaluate which surgical technique in the treatment of Neer type II distal clavicle fractures is optimal with regard to patient-reported outcomes and union and complication rates. (2) To review nonoperatively treated patients. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis were performed on January 27, 2021, in PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL/EBSCO, Web of Science/Clarivate Analytics, and SPORTDiscus/EBSCO. The search included all studies regarding nonoperative and operative treatment of Neer type II distal clavicle fractures with a minimum of 20 patients and follow-up of 12 months. The primary and secondary outcomes were patient-reported outcome measures at 12 months and union, complication, and revision rates. Results: A total of 59 articles were included involving 2284 patients. Coracoclavicular fixation, hook plate, transacromial pins, alternative plate, tension band wire/K-wire, a combination of surgical techniques, and a nonoperative group were described. Hook plates showed lower Constant-Murley scores as compared with coracoclavicular fixation (standard mean difference, –0.77; 95% CI, –1.26 to –0.28; P = .002). However, no significant difference was seen when the hook plate was compared with the locking plate and tension band wire/K-wire groups, and no significant difference in union rate was seen among all operative treatment groups. Operatively treated patients had significantly higher union rates than patients treated nonoperatively (standard mean difference: 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.37; P = .004). Conclusion: Patients treated with hook plates showed significantly lower Constant-Murley scores and higher complication and revision rates as compared with those treated with coracoclavicular fixation, without differences in union rate. Higher Constant-Murley scores were seen in those patients with supplemental coracoclavicular fixation when using locking. Nonoperatively treated patients showed good functional outcome despite the 31% nonunion rate, although future studies are necessary to substantiate this conclusion. When using a locking plate, additional craniocaudal fixation showed significant better functional outcome.

Tratamiento artroscópico de las fracturas de tercio distal de clavícula tipo 2 de Neer con sistema ZipTight.

PURPOSE. Neer type II fractures of the external third of the clavicle are fractures with a high rate of nonunion or malunion (up to 30%). Multiple surgical techniques have been describe their treatment. Also, several arthroscopic techniques. METHODS. We have retrospectively reviewed 29 cases with Neer type II distal third clavicle fractures treated with coracoclavicular fixation with a suspension system. RESULTS. All fractures except 1 have undergone complete consolidation in 3 months,without the disadvantages of other systems such as KW,screws or plates. The rate of consolidation has been 96.5% (all but 1 patient).The mobility obtained was very satisfactory: flexion of 176º, abduction of 145º, an external rotation of 80º, an internal rotation with the hand until T11 and horizontal adduction of 132º. The functional results obtained have been excellent in most patients: obtaining 96 points on the Constant scale and excellent UCLA in 26 cases. This is one of the studies with more patients treated with this type of technique. All patients have been followed until the clinical and radiographic consolidation of the fractures.We also contribute some technical modifications to the initial technique that we have been obtaining with the experience to improve the clinical and radiological result of the patients. CONCLUSION.The arthroscopic assisted treatment of Neer type II distal third clavicle fractures with a Ziptight system is a reproducible technique that allows us to reduce and stabilize the fracture and also to diagnose and treat possible glenohumeral o rotator cuff injuries, obtaining excellent clinical and radiological results.