[Hematogenous osteomyelitis due to clavicular fracture : A rare complication after conservative treatment]

We present a case of a nondislocated clavicular fracture that was conservatively treated for 4 weeks with a sling. The patient was a smoker and suffered from type 2 diabetes mellitus. After 2 months a suppurative infection occurred due to an escalation based on a clavicular osteomyelitis. Through antibiotic treatment and an aggressive surgical approach the infection was cured but ended up with a painful malunion of the clavicle. The bone reconstruction was achieved with a long locking plate with an additional vascularized medial femoral condyle free flap. After 18 months the patient was subjectively very satisfied with the outcome, had no pain and excellent functional results in the Constant Murley and DASH (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand) scores. The X‑ray assessment showed full bone union.

[Nickel allergy and painful unicondylar knee arthroplasty]

A 56-year-old woman with unicondylar knee arthroplasty (Oxford III, Biomet) complained of persistent, burning pain in her knee. The arthroplasty failure was caused by a nickel allergy. The diagnosis was confirmed by positive patch testing, lymphocyte transformation test and histological analysis of the neosynovia around the implant. The unicondylar knee arthroplasty was explanted and replaced by a titanium-coated knee prosthesis (INNEX CR, Zimmer).

[Locking, multidimensional plate osteosynthesis of midshaft clavicle fracture]

BACKGROUND

The goal of this consecutive, retrospective clinical follow-up study was to analyse the quality of treatment with a multidimensional, anatomical locking plate osteosynthesis after comminuted clavicle shaft fracture (Robinson 2B).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of 38 operated patients, 35 were examined after locking plate osteosynthesis, with a median follow-up of 32 months (11-65). Four patients had suffered a 2B1 Robinson fracture and 31 patients a 2B2 Robinson fracture. The clinical and functional results were determined based on the standard clinical examination of the shoulder, the Constant and DASH scores, an analogue visual scale and a patient survey.

RESULTS

The clinical examination yielded a mean DASH score of 1.25, a mean Constant score of 98 and a mean VAS score on the visual analogue scale of 0.4 (with a range of 0-6). Neither nonunion nor implant failure was observed. We did, however, have one case of infection of the soft tissue.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of comminuted shaft fractures of the clavicle by means of a multidimensional locking plate is a safe treatment option that includes early functional postoperative care with free range of motion.