Surgical approach for open reduction and internal fixation of clavicle fractures: a comparison of vertical and horizontal incisions

Efficacy of intramedullary bridge fixation for midshaft clavicle fractures: a retrospective analysis of a novel technique

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of a novel intramedullary fixation technique using the ortho-bridge system (OBS) for midshaft clavicle fractures.

METHODS

A total of 63 patients were included in this study: 35 underwent plate internal fixation (LP group) and 28 underwent OBS intramedullary fixation (OBS group). Surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, fracture healing time, removal of the internal fixation agent, visual analog scale (VAS) score for shoulder pain, Constant-Murley shoulder score and complication occurrence were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Preoperative general data, such as sex, age and fracture type, were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, the OBS group exhibited better outcomes than the LP group exhibited in terms of surgical time, intraoperative blood loss and total incision length (P < 0.05). Additionally, the OBS group exhibited a significantly shorter fracture healing time and internal-fixation removal time than the LP group exhibited (P < 0.05). The VAS scores on postoperative day 1, week 1, month 1 and month 3 were lower in the OBS group than in the LP group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the Constant-Murley shoulder scores at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively were higher in the OBS group than in the LP group (P < 0.05), with no significant difference at 1 year after surgery (P > 0.05). None of the patients in the OBS group experienced scarring of the surgical incision, and 6 patients in the LP group experienced scarring of the surgical incision. Finally, the complication incidence in the OBS group was lower than that in the LP group.

CONCLUSION

For midshaft clavicle fractures, OBS intramedullary fixation is better than locking-plate internal fixation because it led to less trauma, a faster recovery, better efficacy, and better esthetic outcomes and comfort. Therefore, this technique may have potential as a novel treatment for midshaft clavicle fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, retrospective observational study.

Functional outcomes and complications of plate fixation for midshaft clavicle fractures by type and location: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Various plate types are used in the surgical treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. These plates can be positioned in different locations on the clavicle, although no studies to date have elucidated optimal plate type and location of fixation. This systematic review compares the functional outcomes and complications in the management of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures using plate fixation by stratifying by both plate type and location.

Methods

A systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was conducted to identify all papers reporting functional outcomes, union rates, and/or complications using plates for the management of midshaft clavicle fractures. Multiple databases and trial registries were searched from inception until March 2022. A meta-analysis was conducted for functional outcomes and type of complication, stratified by plate type (locking, compression, or reconstruction) and location (superior or anteroinferior). Pooled estimates of functional outcome scores and incidence of complications were calculated using a random effects model. Risk of bias and quality were assessed using the risk of bias version 2 and ROBINS-I (Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions) tools. The confidence in estimates were rated and described according to the recommendations of the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) working group.

Results

Forty-five studies were included in the systematic review and 43 were included in the meta-analysis. Depending on plate type and location, pooled Constant-Murley Scores ranged from 89.23 to 93.48 at 12 months. Nonunion rates were 3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1-6) for superior locking plates (GRADE Low). Rates of any complication (nonunion, hardware failure, hardware irritation, wound dehiscence, keloid, superficial infection, deep infection, delayed union, malunion, and/or persistent pain) by plate type and location ranged from 3% to 17% (GRADE Very Low to Moderate). Superior compression plates had the highest incidence of any complications (17% [95% CI 5-44], GRADE Very Low), while anterior inferior compression plates had the lowest incidence of any complication (3% [95% CI 0-15], GRADE Very Low). Hardware irritation was the most reported individual complication for superior locking plates and superior compression plates, 11% (95% CI 7-17, GRADE Low) and 11% (95% CI 3-33, GRADE Very Low), respectively.

Conclusion

Although most studies were of low quality, studies reporting functional outcomes generally showed good functional results and similar incidence of any complication regardless of plate type and location. There is no evidence of a plate and location combination to optimize patient functional outcomes or complications. We were unable to reliably evaluate union rates or individual complications for most plate types stratified by location.

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures: An indirect reduction using joystick technique

BACKGROUND

A minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique has become increasingly popular in long bone fracture fixation as it could eliminate postoperative complications. However, the most challenging aspect of employing the MIPO for midshaft clavicle fractures among general orthopedic surgeons is the technically demanding that indirect reduction is typically a closed maneuver.

METHODS

We present a consecutive series of patients with displaced midshaft clavicle fractures undergoing clavicular fixation using the MIPO technique between January 2017 and October 2019. The joystick technique was used to obtain anatomical reduction. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Constant-Murley and the American shoulder and elbow surgeons shoulder scores.

RESULTS

Thirty patients with a mean age of 42.44 years were included. The functional shoulder scores showed no disabilities compared with those of a healthy population. No major complications requiring re-operation were noted, and all fractures were completely healed with an average time of 12.53 weeks.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that facilitating the MIPO for midshaft clavicle fractures using simple operative devices and techniques was possible. The joystick technique with the use of an external fixator for temporary stabilization is a safe and effective method that can be added to achieve anatomical alignment with the fracture site unexposed. This technique could be performed either in a fresh fracture or a delayed case with failed conservative treatment.

Supraclavicular nerve sparing versus sacrifice during open reduction internal fixation of acute midshaft clavicle fracture

BACKGROUND

The branches of the supraclavicular nerve are often sacrificed during open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for clavicle fracture. No consensus exists on whether the supraclavicular nerve should be routinely identified and protected during ORIF.

METHODS

We developed a simple method to make nerve sparing easier; Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) solution is locally injected prior to the surgical incision being made. This retrospective study enrolled 340 patients and divided them into supraclavicular-nerve-sparing (n = 45) and supraclavicular-nerve-sacrifice (n = 295) groups. Surgical outcomes-including operative time, estimated blood loss, postoperative pain, union rate, time to union, functional score, paresthesia, complications, implant removal rate, and complication rate-were recorded.

RESULTS

Incisional or anterior chest wall numbness and intraoperative blood loss were significantly less (p < 0.001) in the nerve-sparing group. The operative time was similar in the two groups. No significant differences were discovered in QuickDASH score, postoperative pain score, union rate, time to union, implant removal rate, complication rate, or revision rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that the outcomes of supraclavicular nerve sparing during ORIF with WALANT can reduce postoperative incisional and anterior chest wall numbness and intraoperative blood loss without increasing the operative time or complication rate.

Safe zone of supraclavicular nerve during clavicle fixation and its anatomical variations, a cadaveric study

BACKGROUND

Supraclavicular nerve injury is usually at risk during clavicular fracture fixation. This study aimed to examine the anatomical features and estimate the precise location of supraclavicular nerve branches related to adjacent structural landmarks and to evaluate the differences between sex and side. To highlight the clinical purposes and surgical relevance, this study attempted to define a surgical safe zone that would probably protect the supraclavicular nerve during clavicle fixation.

METHOD

A total of 64 shoulders obtained from 15 female and 17 male adult cadavers were examined, identifying the branching patterns of the supraclavicular nerve, measuring the clavicle length and the course of the supraclavicular nerve referring to the sternoclavicular (SC) and acromioclavicular (AC) joint. Data were categorized by sex and side, and their differences were evaluated using Student T-Test and Mann-Whitney U Test. Clinically relevant predictable safe zones were also statistically analyzed.

RESULT

The results revealed 7 branching patterns of the supraclavicular nerve. The medial and lateral nerve branches formed a shared trunk, and the medial nerve branches separated to form the intermediate branch, i.e., the most frequent pattern (67.19%). The safe zones were determined to be 6.1 mm among both sexes of the SC joint medially, and 0.7 mm among females and 0 mm among males of the AC joint laterally. Surgical incisions between 29.3 to 51.2% and 60.5 to 79.7% of the clavicle length from the SC joint were the safe zones at the midclavicular shaft among both sexes.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study have provided new insights into the anatomy of the supraclavicular nerve and its variations. It has been revealed that the terminal branches of the nerve consistently pass over the clavicle in a predictable pattern, emphasizing the importance of considering the supraclavicular nerve's safe zones during clinically relevant surgeries. Nevertheless, due to individual anatomical variations, meticulous dissection between these safe zones is necessary to avoid iatrogenic nerve injury among patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Basic Science Study, Anatomic Study.

Regional Anesthetic and Analgesic Techniques for Clavicle Fractures and Clavicle Surgeries: Part 1-A Scoping Review

Objective. Clavicle fractures are common injuries potentially associated with significant perioperative pain. However, this region's complex sensory innervation poses a challenge for regional anesthetic or analgesic (RA) techniques. We conducted this scoping review to summarize the current literature, particularly with regards to motor-sparing techniques. Methods. A scoping review was carried out in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute's framework. All articles describing the use of RA for clavicle fractures or surgery were included. PubMed®, Ovid MEDLINE®, EMBASE®, Scopus®, CINAHL®, and the Cochrane database were searched without language restrictions. Results. Database searches identified 845 articles, 44 of which were included in this review, with a combined patient total of 3161. We included all peer-reviewed publications containing clinical data and summarized the findings. Conclusions. Current evidence of RA techniques in clavicle surgery is heterogeneous, with different approaches used to overcome the overlapping sensory innervation. The literature largely comprises case reports/series, with several randomized controlled trials. Intermediate cervical plexus block is the regional technique of choice for clavicle surgery, and can provide reliable surgical anesthesia when combined with an interscalene block. Cervical plexus block can provide motor-sparing analgesia following clavicle surgery. Promising alternatives include the clavipectoral block, which is a novel motor-sparing regional technique. Further studies are required to determine the efficacy and safety of various techniques.

Does a skin incision along Langer's lines reduce complications following fixation of displaced middle-third clavicle fractures?

INTRODUCTION

Internal fixation of displaced middle-third clavicle fractures is a widely used treatment but is frequently associated with post-operative complications. The aim of this study is to investigate whether or not using a skin incision along Langer's lines, as opposed to a traditional transverse incision, reduces complications.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data on 108 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of mid-shaft clavicle fractures between 2014 and 2018. Either an oblique incision along Langer's lines or a transverse incision was used according to surgeon's preference. A pre-contoured diaphyseal locking plate was used in all cases. We collected data on fracture classification, minor complications (irritation from plate, chest wall numbness, superficial wound infection) and major complications (irritation from plate necessitating metalwork removal, periprosthetic fracture, deep infection, neurovascular injury and non-union). Statistical analysis was performed using multivariant regression analysis and Fisher's exact tests.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients underwent fixation using the oblique incision and 51 via the transverse incision. Age, gender and fracture pattern in the two groups were comparable. There were 14 minor and 6 major complications in the oblique group. In the transverse group, there were 16 minor and 5 major complications. The major complication rate was 10.5% in the oblique group and 9.8% in the transverse group. The overall major complication rate was 10.2%. No statistically significant difference in the rate of complications between the two groups was identified.

CONCLUSION

Based on our data, an incision following Langer's lines does not reduce the rate of complications following fixation of displaced middle-third clavicle fractures.

Incisional paresthesia following clavicle plate fixation: does it matter to patients?

Background

Operative management of clavicle fractures is increasingly common. In the context of explaining the risks and benefits of surgery, understanding the impact of incisional numbness as it relates to the patient experience is key to shared decision making. This study aims to determine the prevalence, extent, and recovery of sensory changes associated with supraclavicular nerve injury after open reduction and plate internal fixation of middle or lateral clavicle shaft fractures.

Methods

Eighty-six patients were identified retrospectively and completed a patient experience survey assessing sensory symptoms, perceived post-operative function, and satisfaction. Correlations between demographic factors and outcomes, as well as subgroup analyses were completed to identify factors impacting patient satisfaction.

Results

Ninety percent of patients experienced sensory changes post-operatively. Numbness was the most common symptom (64%) and complete resolution occurred in 32% of patients over an average of 19 months. Patients who experienced burning were less satisfied overall with the outcome of their surgery whereas those who were informed of the risk of sensory changes pre-operatively were more satisfied overall.

Conclusions

Post-operative sensory disturbance is common. While most patients improve, some symptoms persist in the majority of patients without significant negative effects on satisfaction. Patients should always be advised of the risk of persistent sensory alterations around the surgical site to increase the likelihood of their satisfaction post-operatively.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-021-04770-z.

Comparison of patient reported outcomes following clavicle operative fixation using supraclavicular nerve sparing and supraclavicular nerve sacrificing techniques- A cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Supraclavicular nerve injury is one of the common complications after clavicle open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) affecting up to 55% of patients. There is debate about whether sparing supraclavicular nerves improves functional outcomes and patient satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to compare numbness, patient-reported outcomes and surgical time in patients undergoing clavicle ORIF using supraclavicular nerve sparing and supraclavicular nerve sacrificing techniques.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study with prospective survey of 108 patients with clavicular fractures treated with ORIF at a level 1 trauma centre. Patients were divided into two groups: 1) ORIF with supraclavicular nerve sparing techniques and 2) ORIF with supraclavicular nerve sacrificing techniques. Questionnaires were conducted and subjective numbness around supraclavicular nerve distribution was our primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included the Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score, a numeric rating scale for pain and satisfaction with treatment and surgical time.

RESULTS

An overall response rate of 92% was achieved with an average follow-up of 16 months. There were 20 patients in the supraclavicular nerve sparing group and 79 patients in the supraclavicular nerve sacrificing group. 76% of all patients experienced numbness post-operatively and 91% of these patients experienced persistent numbness at final follow-up. There was no significant difference between the groups for age, gender, time to follow-up and mechanism of injury. Patients in the supraclavicular nerve sparing group had significantly less numbness at final follow-up (35% vs 86%, P < 0.001; OR=0.21 95%CI 0.11-0.40). There was no significant difference in the QuickDASH score nor the NRS for pain and function. Sparing supraclavicular nerves did not result in a significantly longer operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that identification and protection of the supraclavicular nerves result in significantly less numbness following clavicle ORIF but does not affect patient reported functional outcomes.

Anatomy of clavicle in the Indian population and its applicability in pre-contoured plating

BACKGROUND

Fractures of the clavicle are traditionally treated non-operatively, but with the increase of high-energy trauma, there has been an increase in the operative management of these fractures. Controversy exists on the type of fixation for middle third clavicle fractures. The anatomically pre-contoured plates are low-profile mechanically sound plates which do not cause much soft tissue irritation.

METHODS

To characterise the clavicular morphology through computerised tomography and determine the applicability of pre-contoured plates for our population.

RESULTS

In this study, the mean total length was 145.31 mm and the apex of superior clavicle bow was located 38.15 mm from the acromial end, thereby giving a zone of 107.16 mm for plating. In the 107.16 mm of platable zone, the zone of ideal fracture location was 43.16 mm. Superior anterior plates had a good fit in 89.3% of the CT subset, whereas superior plates had a good fit in only 71.6% of the population.

CONCLUSION

Superior anterior pre-contoured clavicle plates have approximately 98% good to fair compatibility for clavicles in the South Indian population without any need for further intra-operative moulding.