Midshaft clavicle fractures: are surgical indications changing?

Displaced midshaft clavicle fractures in adults - is non-operative management enough?

INTRODUCTION

Displaced fractures of middle third of clavicle are traditionally managed non-operatively. Recently, the trend is towards surgical management considering functional deficits in some of the non-operatively managed patients. The purpose of the study was to examine the functional outcome of non-operative treatment in these injuries, while identifying the factors responsible for less than ideal outcome and determine the guidelines for patient counselling.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred patients with displaced fractures of middle third of clavicle were prospectively evaluated clinico-radiologically for one year from injury. Risk factors for non-union were determined using Fisher's exact test. Logistic regression was used to identify factors contributing to functional outcome. Threshold values for the radiological displacements were estimated with the smooth threshold regression using the logistic transition function.

RESULTS

Ninety-four out of 100 fractures united. The factors associated with non-union were: smoking, diabetes and poor soft tissue condition over the fracture. Ninety-two out of 94 patients who had their fractures united achieved "good" (Constant Score above 70) or "very good" (Constant Score above 85) functional outcome at one year, out of which only 49 belonged to "very good" category. The most important factors influencing functional outcome were fracture angulation and clavicular shortening. From the model, it was estimated that with one unit increase in degree of angulation or 1 mm increase in shortening, the odds of scoring above 85 reduces by around 14%. Based on this, an equation and a probability calculator were developed from which the probability of achieving a Constant Score above 85 can be calculated. Threshold analysis yielded 22.8° for angulation and 16.8 mm for shortening at which the probability of achieving "very good" function is only 0.23.

CONCLUSION

Displaced midshaft clavicular fractures with the intent of achieving "good" outcome must be managed non-operatively. If the patient expectation is not to accept even minor functional deficits, the treatment objective must be raised to achieve a minimum Constant score of 86. Substituting the radiological displacements in the equation, the probability of the patient achieving this objective can be calculated. Non-operative management is offered if this probability figure is acceptable to the patient, otherwise counselled for surgery. Non-operatively managed patients with coexisting diabetes, smoking or poor soft tissue condition must be watched for the possibility of going for non-union.

[Clinical comparative study of thoracoscopic assisted reduction and traditional manual reduction with percutaneous intramedullary nail internal fixation for mid-clavicular fractures]

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of thoracoscopic assisted reduction and traditional manual reduction with percutaneous intramedullary nail internal fixation in the treatment of mid-clavicular fractures.

Methods

A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. Twenty-two patients with mid-clavicular fractures who met the selection criteria between March 2012 and March 2017 were recruited and randomly divided into trial group (7 cases, thoracoscopic assisted reduction and percutaneous intramedullary nail fixation) and control group (15 cases, traditional manual reduction and percutaneous intramedullary nail fixation). There was no significant difference in gender, age, side, cause of injury, fracture classification, interval between injury and operation between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time and fracture healing time were recorded and compared between the two groups. The effectiveness was evaluated by Constant-Murley scale at 6 months after operation, which included subjective evaluation indexes (functional activity and pain) and objective evaluation indexes (range of motion of shoulder joint and muscle strength).

Results

The operation time of the trial group was significantly longer than that of the control group ( t=5.881, P=0.000). Patients in both groups were followed up 7-20 months, with an average of 11 months. Satisfactory anatomical reduction achieved in all patients, and all incisions healed by first intension. In the control group, 1 patient had difficulty in removing the intramedullary nail, and 1 patient had fracture nonunion. No fracture nonunion or intramedullary nail rupture in the other patients of two groups. There was no significant difference in fracture healing time between the two groups ( t=0.764, P=0.453). At 6 months after operation, there was no significant difference in Constant-Murley scale between the two groups ( P>0.05).

Conclusion

The treatment of the mid-clavicular fracture by using thoracoscopic assisted reduction with intramedullary nail internal fixation requires longer operation time, but does not require fluoroscopy. The effectiveness is comparable to that of traditional surgery.

Does altering projection of the fractured clavicle change treatment strategy?

BACKGROUND

Shortening of the fractured clavicle is proposed and debated as an indicator for surgical intervention. There is no standardized or uniform method for imaging and measuring shortening. Different methods and techniques can lead to different measured outcomes. However, the question remains whether a difference in measured shortening using a different technique has any short-term clinical relevance in terms of treatment strategy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a different projection of the same midshaft clavicular fracture would lead to a different choice in treatment strategy.

METHODS

Thirty-six AO-OTA (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen-Orthopaedic Trauma Association) 15A.1-15A.3 midshaft clavicular fractures were digitally reconstructed into radiographs using both 15° caudocranial and 15° craniocaudal projections. The 72 projections were rated in random order by 23 orthopedic trauma or upper-extremity surgeons on the need for either conservative or operative treatment.

RESULTS

On average, the raters altered their treatment strategy with a different projection of the same midshaft clavicular fracture 12.2 times among the 36 cases (33.9%), ranging from 5 times (13.9%) to 19 times (52.8%). A statistically significant increase in choice for surgical treatment was identified when using the 15° caudocranial projection (P = .01).

CONCLUSION

This study reveals the influence the projection of the midshaft clavicular fracture has on the surgeon's decision of treatment strategy. The decision changes from operative to nonoperative or vice versa in 33.9% of the cases.

Is clavicular reconstruction imperative for total and subtotal claviculectomy? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The effects of clavicular reconstruction on total and subtotal claviculectomy are controversial. The aim of this study is to disclose the impact of clavicular reconstruction on the efficacy of this rare surgical procedure.

METHODS

This is a systematic review of multiple medical databases for level I through IV evidence.

RESULTS

Eleven studies (level IV) with a mean follow-up duration of 53 months (range, 12-156 months) met the inclusion criteria. There were 70 subjects (70 shoulders) including 36 male patients (51%), and the average age at operation was 30 years (range, 2-77 years). The etiology included tumors in 34 subjects (49%) and other disorders in 36 (51%). Of the patients, 41 (59%) underwent total claviculectomy whereas 29 (41%) underwent subtotal clavicular excision. Clavicular reconstruction was performed in 14 subjects (20%), with bone allograft in 8, autograft in 1, and a bone cement prosthesis in 5. Objective measurement disclosed compromised strength and mobility in aclaviculate limbs; however, no studies investigating clavicular reconstruction used similar means of measurement. Functional assessment scales implied global limb function following the 2 procedures was similar (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, P = .13; Constant score, P = .38). Claviculectomy with and without reconstruction resulted in a similar incidence of complications (P = .45); however, isolated claviculectomy was related to fewer further surgical procedures (P <.001) and faster recovery (P <.001). The 2 procedures were associated with similar satisfaction rates (P > .99).

CONCLUSIONS

No evidence suggested clavicular reconstruction led to clinical outcomes superior to those of isolated claviculectomy. It is noteworthy that isolated excision of the clavicle was associated with a lower risk of further surgery and faster rehabilitation.

Surgical Versus Nonsurgical Treatment for Midshaft Clavicle Fractures in Patients Aged 16 Years and Older: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Comparison of Randomized Controlled Trials and Observational Studies

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus on the choice of treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures (MCFs).

PURPOSE

The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were (1) to compare fracture healing disorders and functional outcomes of surgical versus nonsurgical treatment of MCFs and (2) to compare effect estimates obtained from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

The PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and CINAHL databases were searched for both RCTs and observational studies. Using the MINORS instrument, all included studies were assessed on their methodological quality. The primary outcome was a nonunion. Effects of surgical versus nonsurgical treatment were estimated using random-effects meta-analysis models.

RESULTS

A total of 20 studies were included, of which 8 were RCTs and 12 were observational studies including 1760 patients. Results were similar across the different study designs. A meta-analysis of 19 studies revealed that nonunions were significantly less common after surgical treatment than after nonsurgical treatment (odds ratio [OR], 0.18 [95% CI, 0.10-0.33]). The risk of malunions did not differ between surgical and nonsurgical treatment (OR, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.12-1.19]). Both the long-term Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Constant-Murley scores favored surgical treatment (DASH: mean difference [MD], -2.04 [95% CI, -3.56 to -0.52]; Constant-Murley: MD, 3.23 [95% CI, 1.52 to 4.95]). No differences were observed regarding revision surgery (OR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.42-1.73]). Including only high-quality studies, both the number of malunions and days to return to work show significant differences in favor of surgical treatment (malunions: OR, 0.26 [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.92]; return to work: MD, -8.64 [95% CI, -16.22 to -1.05]).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis of high-quality studies showed that surgical treatment of MCFs results in fewer nonunions, fewer malunions, and an accelerated return to work compared with nonsurgical treatment. A meta-analysis of surgical treatments need not be restricted to randomized trials, provided that the included observational studies are of high quality.

Positional Change in Displacement of Midshaft Clavicle Fractures: An Aid to Initial Evaluation

OBJECTIVES

To determine how change in position affects displacement of midshaft clavicle fractures.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

Level I Trauma Center.

PATIENTS

Eighty patients with displaced midshaft clavicle fractures and presence of supine and semiupright or upright chest radiographs taken within 2 weeks of each other.

INTERVENTION

Supine, semiupright, and upright chest radiographs.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Fracture shortening and vertical displacement on supine, semiupright, and upright radiographs.

RESULTS

Mean vertical displacement was 9.42 mm [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 8.07-10.77 mm], 11.78 mm (95% CI, 10.25-13.32 mm), and 15.72 mm (95% CI, 13.71-17.72 mm) in supine, semiupright, and upright positions, respectively. Fracture shortening was -0.41 mm (95% CI, -2.53 to 1.70 mm), 2.11 mm (95% CI, -0.84 to 5.07), and 4.86 mm (95% CI, 1.66-8.06 mm) in supine, semiupright, and upright positions, respectively. Change in position from supine to upright significantly increased both vertical displacement and fracture shortening (P < 0.001). In the upright position, the proportion of patients who met operative indications (fracture shortening >20 mm) was 3 times greater when compared with that in the supine position (upright 17.65%; supine 5.88%, P = 0.06). Positional changes in fracture displacement were not associated with body mass index, age, or gender.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient position is associated with significant changes in fracture displacement. Over 3 times more patients meet operative indications when placed in the upright versus supine position. An upright chest radiograph should be obtained to evaluate midshaft clavicle fracture displacement, as it represents the physiologic stress across the fracture when considering nonoperative management.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Midshaft Clavicle Fractures: A Critical Review

The clavicle is the most commonly broken bone in the human body, accounting for up to 5% to 10% of all fractures seen in hospital emergency admissions. Fractures of the middle third, or midshaft, are the most common, accounting for up to 80% of all clavicle fractures. Traditional treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures is usually nonoperative management, using a sling or figure-of-eight bandage. The majority of adults treated nonoperatively for midshaft clavicle fractures will heal completely. However, newer studies have shown that malunion, pain, and deformity rates may be higher than previously reported with traditional management. Recent evidence demonstrates that operative treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures can result in better functional results and patient satisfaction than nonoperative treatment in patients meeting certain criteria. This article provides a review of relevant anatomy, classification systems, and injury mechanisms for midshaft clavicle fractures, as well as a comparison of various treatment options. [Orthopedics.2016; 39(5):e814-e821.].

Medium-term results after total clavicle resection in cases of osteitis: a consecutive case series of five patients

PURPOSE

Claviculectomy is a rare and poorly described event in the surgical therapy of diseases of the clavicle. We present a case series and functional results of patients who underwent total claviculectomy.

METHODS

From 1995 to 2006 a total of 26 patients diagnosed with osteitis of the clavicle underwent surgery in our unit. Of these, five patients (all female) needed a total resection of the clavicle in order to ensure permanent healing from infection. The data collection was prospective. The data gathered preoperatively and at follow-up included clinical examinations, laboratory findings, radiographs and the Constant shoulder scores. The mean follow-up period was 7.5 months.

RESULTS

The surgical concept described was able to eliminate infection in all cases studied within an average hospital stay of 13.4 days (8-18 days). Only one patient showed complications; suffering from chronic pain syndrome requiring surgical revision. After total resection of the clavicle four of five patients showed very good functional results. The average Constant score showed a significant increase from 82 before surgery to 95 at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical technique described for total claviculectomy, along with the insertion of local antibiotic beads, was able to eliminate infection in every case. Good functional results and a low complication rates were observed. For good functional results and the permanent elimination of infection, adjacent joints have to be addressed, the periosteal tube should be preserved and early functional treatment is essential.

[Medium-term results of surgical treatment for osteitis of the clavicle]

AIM

Osteitis of the clavicle is rare and not well described in the international literature. We describe a concept of surgical treatment with medium-term observations.

METHOD

A total of 22 patients (12 women, 10 men; BMI Ø 24.6 kg/m(2), age Ø 48 years) with osteitis of the clavicle were included in the series. The treatment regime consisted of a surgical approach. Data collection was prospective. Data gathered preoperatively and at follow-up included clinical examination, laboratory findings, radiographs and the Constant scoring system. The mean follow-up period was 13.3 (3-53) months.

RESULTS

The described surgical concept was able to permanently eliminate infection in all cases studied. Surgical revisions were required in six patients. The average Constant score showed a significant increase from 66 to 84 at follow-up. Patients also showed good functional results after total resection of the clavicle.

CONCLUSION

The reported treatment regime provides reliable results in terms of eliminating infection with good clinical results. Neighboring joints were frequently also involved in the infection and needed to be surgically addressed.