Operative Versus Nonoperative Treatment for Closed Displaced Midshaft Clavicle Fractures

BACKGROUND

Nonoperative treatment for clavicle fractures has historically been standard of care, but with a concomitant rise in recent operative fixation for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures (MCF), a re-evaluation of treatment modalities is necessary. The purpose of this study was to compare nonunion rates among operative and nonoperative treatment of closed displaced MCF. Specifically, we assessed the following between operative and nonoperative management: (1) 90-day to 1-year nonunion and malunion incidence; (2) 90-day medical complications; and (3) 90-day to 1-year total costs of care.

METHODS

An all-payer national database was retrospectively reviewed for closed displaced MCF from 2010 to 2020 (n = 173 188). Of these, patients undergoing operative fixation within 30 days of a displaced MCF were identified (n = 17 452). Nonoperative displaced MCF patients were matched with operative patients at a 3:1 ratio. Outcomes at 90 days and 1 year included: nonunion, total cost, and complications.

RESULTS

Closed displaced MCF with operative fixation resulted in significantly increased nonunion rates at 1 year compared with nonoperative treatment (3.97% vs 1.63%, odds ratio = 2.50 [2.26-2.77], P < .001). Kaplan-Meier survivorship and log-rank score demonstrated the same for a 1-year nonunion endpoint (P < .001). As expected, the operative cohort incurred higher median total costs of care at 90 days ($3255.00 vs $1024.00, P < .001) and 1 year ($1978.00 vs $4799.50, P < .001) compared with nonoperative treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our study found higher nonunion incidence after operative fixation of displaced MCF. These results may serve as a catalyst for future high-quality prospective studies comparing treatment options for closed displaced MCF.

Dual Mini-Fragment Plate Fixation of Midshaft Clavicle Fractures Reduces Risk of Reoperation Compared With Single-Plate Fixation Techniques

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have highlighted dual plating as a method of reducing high rates of postoperative complication after operative management of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. However, few studies have reliably characterized reoperation rates and magnitude of risk reduction achieved when using dual versus anterior and superior single-plate techniques.

HYPOTHESIS

There would be lower rates of reoperation among patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures via dual plating.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent ORIF for a displaced midshaft clavicular fracture between 2010 and 2021 at a level 1 trauma center with a minimum 12-month follow-up. Patients were separated into 3 cohorts based on fixation type: (1) orthogonal dual mini-fragment plate fixation, (2) superior plate fixation, and (3) anterior plate fixation. Data on patient characteristics, fracture pattern, and reoperations were documented. All-cause reoperation rates and hazard ratio (HR) estimates of dual, superior, and anterior plating were calculated using a multivariate multilevel mixed-effects parametric survival model. Significant confounders including high-risk fracture morphology and smoking status were controlled for in the final model.

RESULTS

A final cohort of 256 patients was identified with mean follow-up of 4.9 ± 3.8 years. In total, 101 patients underwent superior plating, 92 underwent anterior plating, and 63 underwent dual plating. Overall, 31 reoperations took place (18 in superior, 12 in anterior, 1 in dual plating) among 22 patients. Major contributors to reoperation included symptomatic hardware (n = 11), nonunion (n = 8), deep infection (n = 7), and wound dehiscence (n = 2). Superior plating revealed the highest reoperation rate of 0.031 per person-years, followed by anterior plating with 0.026 per person-years and dual plating with 0.005 per person-years. Overall, single plating (either anterior or superior placement) had a nearly 8-fold greater risk of reoperation than dual plating (HR, 7.62; 95% CI, 1.02-56.82; P = .048). Further broken down by technique, superior plating had an 8-fold greater risk of reoperation than dual plating (HR, 8.36; 95% CI, 1.10-63.86; P = .041), but anterior plating did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference compared with dual plating (HR, 6.79; 95% CI, 0.87-52.90; P = .068).

CONCLUSION

Dual-plate fixation represents an excellent treatment for displaced midshaft clavicular fractures, with low rates of nonunion and reoperation. When compared with single locked superior or anterior plate fixation, dual mini-fragment plate fixation has a nearly 8-fold lower risk of reoperation.

Low rate of secondary surgery and implant removal following superior, precontoured plating of midshaft clavicle fractures

Background

Surgical fixation of midshaft clavicle fractures with a single 3.5 mm superior clavicular plate has been associated with a high rate of hardware removal due to symptomatic hardware. Because of this, dual-plating techniques with lower-profile implants have been proposed. However, dual-plating systems have disadvantages, including increased cost and increased surgical morbidity. The aim of this study was to define the rate of symptomatic hardware removal for all midshaft clavicle fractures.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed information on all patients from 2014 to 2018 at a single level 1 trauma institution with surgeries performed by two fellowship-trained orthopedic trauma surgeons. Documented removal of hardware and the reason for removal were recorded. We then contacted all patients at their listed telephone number to confirm the hardware was still in place and to administer patient outcome questionnaires. If patients did not answer, attempts were made to contact them multiple times on multiple days. Those who were not reached but had documented hardware removal were included in the total number of patients with hardware removal.

Results

The search revealed 158 patients, of whom 89 (61.8%) were included in the study. Average follow up was 4.09 years (range 2.02-6.50 years). Five patients (5.56%) underwent hardware removal. Removal was for symptomatic or irritating hardware in two of these patients (2.22%). Average abbreviated Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 6.27, and average American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder score was 93.6.

Conclusion

In our series, the rate of symptomatic hardware removal was 2.22%, well below reported removal rates. Hardware removal rates for prominent symptomatic superior clavicular plates may be significantly lower than previously reported, and these fractures may be adequately treated with a single, superior plate.

Early Versus Delayed Surgery for Midshaft Clavicle Fractures: A Systematic Review

Background

Orthopaedic surgeons debate the timing of and necessity for surgical intervention when treating displaced midshaft clavicle fractures (MCFs). This systematic review evaluates the available literature regarding functional outcomes, complication rates, nonunion, and reoperation rates between patients undergoing early versus delayed surgical management of MCFs.

Methods

Search strategies were applied in PubMed (Medline), CINAHL (EBSCO), Embase (Elsevier), Sport Discus (EBSCO), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Wiley). Following an initial screening and full-text review, demographic and study outcome data was extracted for comparison between the early fixation and delayed fixation studies.

Results

Twenty-one studies were identified for inclusion. This resulted in 1158 patients in the early group and 44 in the delayed. Demographics were similar between groups except for a higher percentage of males in the early group (81.6% vs. 61.4%) and longer time to surgery in the delayed group (4.6 days vs. 14.5 months). Disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand scores (3.6 vs. 13.0) and Constant-Murley scores (94.0 vs. 86.0) were better in the early group. Percentages of initial surgeries resulting in complication (33.8% vs. 63.6%), nonunion (1.2% vs. 11.4%), and nonroutine reoperation (15.8% vs. 34.1%) were higher in the delayed group.

Conclusion

Outcomes of nonunion, reoperation, complications, DASH scores, and CM scores favor early surgery over delayed surgery for MCFs. However, given the small cohort of delayed patients who still achieved moderate outcomes, we recommend a shared decision-making style for treatment recommendations regarding individual patients with MCFs. Level of Evidence: II.

Risk factors for clavicular midshaft fractures after hook plate fixation for the treatment of Neer type II clavicular fractures

OBJECTIVE

Neer type II fractures are common, and hook plate fixation is one of the recommended treatments. Although clavicular midshaft fractures after hook plate fixation are rare, such fractures increase patients' suffering and worsen their functional outcomes. This study was performed to identify the risk factors for this complication.

METHODS

From 2009 to 2018, 425 patients were admitted with Neer type II clavicular fractures. According to the selection criteria, 352 patients were included in this retrospective observational study. All patients were divided into either the complications group (patients with midshaft fractures) or the control group (patients without midshaft fractures). Data collected included patient demographics and surgical, hook plate, and screw characteristics. The chi-square test was used to conduct between-group comparisons of risk factors. Statistically significant variables were included in a logistic regression model.

RESULTS

In both the complications group (n = 21) and control group (n = 331), significantly more patients of advanced age and significantly more patients treated with hook plates that were not bent during surgery developed midshaft fractures.

CONCLUSION

The risk of a clavicular midshaft fracture after hook plate fixation may be significantly increased by advanced age or a lack of hook plate bending.

Improved Functional Outcomes Following Operative Treatment of Midshaft Clavicle Fractures in an Active Duty Population

Clavicle fractures are common orthopedic injuries that occur in a young active population and are even more common in the military. Military fitness test data presents the unique opportunity to analyze functional ability with regard to military-specific activities. The primary goal of this study was to compare functional outcomes using military fitness test data between operative and non-operative treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures.  We performed a retrospective review of active-duty U.S. Navy and Marine patients with midshaft clavicle fractures treated at our institution over a seven-year period. There were 94 and 153 patients in our operative and non-operative cohorts, respectively. Average follow-up time from the date of injury or surgery was 28 months. The rate of infection in the operative group (4%) was significantly greater than in the non-operative group (0%, p = 0.023). The rate of non-union in the operative group (3%) was significantly lower than in the non-operative group (14.5%, p = 0.004). The rate of symptomatic malunion in the operative group (0%) was significantly different from that in the non-operative group (4.6%, p = 0.036). There was no significant difference in the rate of revision surgery between the operative (9.2%) and non-operative (13.2%) groups (p = 0.105). A total of 51 marines met inclusion criteria for our functional outcome analysis using Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test (PFT) data. Of those who underwent operative fixation, 68% were able to meet or surpass their pre-injury average amount of pull-ups in their first PFT after surgery and 88% by the next PFT at least one year after surgery. While 69% of non-operative patients met their pre-injury average in their first PFT, only 57% maintained this level at least one year after surgery. This difference was statistically significant. In our functional outcome subgroup analysis, we found improved outcomes for pull-ups at least one year out when midshaft clavicle fractures are treated operatively compared to non-operatively. While similar findings in the literature are based on functional outcome questionnaires, physical fitness performance data has not been reported on to our knowledge.

Midshaft Clavicle Fractures: Surgery Provides Better Results as Compared With Nonoperative Treatment: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is no agreement on the best treatment for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures (MCFs), which are currently addressed by nonoperative or surgical approaches.

PURPOSE

To compare fracture healing and functional outcome after surgical versus nonsurgical treatment of MCFs, to help specialists in deciding between these different strategies by providing a synthesis of the best literature evidence.

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analysis.

METHODS

A systematic research of the literature was performed in different online databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane library, and grey literature. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Meta-Analyses) guidelines were used. The risk of bias was evaluated with the Cochrane Collaboration's "risk of bias" tool, and the quality of evidence was graded according to Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines. Randomized controlled trials investigating differences between surgery and nonoperative treatment for displaced MCFs were included. The primary outcome was the nonunion rate. Other outcomes analyzed were time to union and to return to activities, Constant score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) index. Patients' satisfaction, secondary operations, and complications were also recorded.

RESULTS

Out of 832 records found, 14 randomized controlled trials with 1546 patients were included. A significantly lower risk ratio was found for nonunion (10%; 95% CI, 6%-18%, P < .001) favoring surgery. Time to union was 5.1 weeks shorter with surgery (P = .007). The complication rate (including the number of reinterventions) was higher in the surgical group (31.3% vs 20.5%, P < .001). Shoulder function at short-term follow-up was significantly better in the surgical group (DASH index mean difference = 4.0 points), while no statistical difference was found in the Constant score and in the DASH index at midterm follow-up (P = .41 and .80, respectively). At long-term follow-up, both shoulder functional scores were significantly better in the surgery group: the overall Constant score mean difference was 5.3 points (95% CI, 2.3-8.4 points; P < .001), and the DASH index mean difference was 4.3 points (95% CI, 0.2-8.4 points; P = .04).

CONCLUSION

Surgical treatment of MCFs significantly reduces the nonunion rate and shortens the time to union as compared with the nonoperative approach and, despite a slightly higher incidence of complications, leads to better shoulder functional scores at short- and long-term follow-up. Further studies should address the clinical significance of the documented improvement.

Midshaft clavicle fractures: Current concepts

Clavicle fractures are common fractures and the optimal treatment strategy remains debatable. The present paper reviews the available literature and current concepts in the management of displaced and/or shortened midshaft clavicle fractures.

Operative treatment leads to improved short-term functional outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, an earlier return to sports and lower rates of non-union compared with conservative treatment. In terms of cost-effectiveness, operative treatment also seems to be advantageous.

However, operative treatment is associated with an increased risk of complications and re-operations, while long-term shoulder functional outcomes are similar.

The optimal treatment strategy should be one tailor-made to the patient and his/her specific needs and expectations by utilizing a shared decision-making model.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2018;3:374-380. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.3.170033

Surgery for the fractured clavicle: factors predicting nonunion

BACKGROUND

This study identifies the reasons for failure after plate osteosynthesis of midshaft clavicle fractures, complication rates, and time to radiographic union.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 84 consecutive patients who had undergone surgical fixation for a midshaft clavicle fracture was performed.

RESULTS

There were 82 patients who were included for analysis and operated on by 11 different surgeons using a mixture of locking (63%) and nonlocking (37%) plates. The rate of osteosynthesis failure was 12.2%. A logistical regression analysis found that failure of osteosynthesis had no relationship to type of plate used (P = .82), gender (P = .42), number of proximal (P = .96) or distal (P = .63) screws to the fracture, or length of plate (P = .42). Smoking was found to be the only risk factor (P = .02) that increased failure rates after midshaft clavicle osteosynthesis.

CONCLUSION

Smoking was the only identifiable risk factor to increase failure rates in clavicle osteosynthesis. Preoperative counseling can identify those at increased risk of implant failure and can help improve clinical results by implementing a smoking cessation plan.

Plate versus intramedullary fixation of two-part and multifragmentary displaced midshaft clavicle fractures - a long-term analysis

INTRODUCTION

Surgical fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures is predominantly achieved with intramedullary (IM) or plate fixation. Both techniques have potential pitfalls: plate fixation involves greater periosteal stripping and protuberance of the implant, whereas IM fixation may be associated with implant-related complications, such as migration or skin irritation, which may lead to further surgery for implant removal. The aim of this study was to compare these two methods in simple (Robinson 2b.1) and multifragmentary (Robinson 2b.2) displaced midshaft clavicle fractures.

METHODS

A total of 133 consecutive patients who underwent surgical fixation for a displaced midshaft clavicle fracture with either IM fixation using a 2.5-mm Kirschner wire or plate fixation using an 8-hole Dynamic Compression Plate (DCP) were retrospectively reviewed. Follow-up was a minimum of 1 year. The patients were allocated into two injury groups: displaced simple 2-part fractures (64 IM vs. 16 DCP) and displaced multifragmentary fractures (27 IM vs. 26 DCP). The major observed outcome measures were: infection rate, non-union rate, reoperation rate and postoperative range of motion (ROM).

RESULTS

Rates of non-union for displaced 2-part fractures were 2/64 (3.13%) with IM fixation and 0/16 (0.00%) with plate fixation (p = 0.477). For displaced multifragmentary fractures, rates of non-union were 2/27 (7.41%) with IM fixation and 0/26 (0.00%) with plate fixation (p = 0.161). No significant difference was observed between the two fixation modalities in patient-reported time to regain ROM on the injured side for displaced 2-part fractures (p = 0.129) and displaced multifragmentary fractures (p = 0.070). Deep infection rate was zero (p = 1.000) overall in the study, and reoperation rate for IM and plate fixation, respectively, was 3.13% and 6.25% in the Robinson 2b.1 group (p = 0.559) and 7.41% and 7.69% in the Robinson 2b.2 group (p = 0.969).

CONCLUSION

IM fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures (Robinson 2b.1) has an equivalent non-union rate to plate fixation and similarly low complication and reoperation rates. For displaced midshaft multifragmentary clavicle fractures (Robinson 2b.2), the higher non-union rates observed with IM fixation leads us to recommend consideration of plate fixation for Robinson 2b.2 fractures.

Safe intramedullary fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures with 2.5mm Kirschner wires - technique description and a two-part versus multifragmentary fracture fixation outcome comparison

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to present a modified Murray and Schwarz 2.5-mm Kirschner wire (K-wire) intramedullary (IM) technique for fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures (DMCF), and to compare the differences in treatment outcome of two-part (Robinson 2B.1) and multifragmentary (Robinson 2B.2) DMCF.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 91 patients who underwent IM fixation with a 2.5-mm K-wire for DMCF and had a 1-year post-operative follow-up between 2000 and 2012 was performed. The patients were allocated into two groups: Robinson 2B.1 (n = 64) and Robinson 2B.2 (n = 27). Assessed outcomes were non-union, reoperation rate, wire migration and infection.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of non-union (2B.1,2B.2; 3.13%, 7.41%; p = 0.365), reoperation (2B.1, 2B.2; 3.13%, 7.41%; p = 0.365), K-wire migration (2B.1, 2B.2; 0.00%, 0.00%; p = 1.00) and clavicle shortening at 12-months (2B.1, 2B.2; 3.13%, 7.41%; p = 0.365).

CONCLUSION

Intramedullary clavicle fixation with a 2.5-mm K-wire is a safe surgical technique. 2B.1 injuries treated with 2.5-mm IM K-wire fixation have relatively improved outcome compared with displaced 2B.2 fractures for both non-union and reoperation rates. There were no occurrences of implant migration with either 2B.1 or 2B.2 injuries, and a non-significant difference in implant irritation was documented with IM K-fixation. The non-union rate with K-wire IM fixation of 2B.1 injuries concords with the published results of other IM devices and thus this technique should be added to the surgeon's armamentarium when considering surgical treatment of such injuries.

What is the hardware removal rate after anteroinferior plating of the clavicle? A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Plate position in the operative treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures or nonunions is most often on the superior side. However, superior clavicular plating often results in complaints of plate prominence and local soft tissue irritation, necessitating hardware removal. We have used anteroinferior placement of the plate in the hope of increasing biomechanical stability and fixation and also of lowering complaints of plate prominence and soft tissue irritation. In this report, we set out to study the percentage of hardware removal in our group of patients treated with anteroinferior plating of the clavicle after long-term follow-up.

METHODS

In this retrospective review, we evaluated all patients who were surgically treated with anteroinferior plating for midshaft clavicle fracture, delayed union, or nonunion by the senior author between February 2003 and July 2015. Patients required a minimum age of 16 years at time of surgery and a follow-up of >12 months. Patients with malunion, plating on the superior aspect, or double plating were excluded.

RESULTS

The medical records of 53 patients (54 fractures) were reviewed after a mean follow-up duration of 6.4 years (range, 1.1-13.1). The mean age at follow-up was 47.8 years (range, 20.4-80.7). All fractures and nonunions healed. In only 3 cases (5.6%), hardware removal was requested by the patient because of plate prominence.

CONCLUSIONS

Anteroinferior plating of midshaft clavicle fractures, delayed unions, and nonunions resulted in low hardware removal rates in our cohort.

A Biomechanical and Clinical Comparison of Midshaft Clavicle Plate Fixation: Are 2 Screws as Good as 3 on Each Side of the Fracture?

Background:

The standard of care for plating displaced midshaft clavicle fractures has been 6 cortices of purchase on each side of the fracture. The use of locking plates and screws may afford equivalent biomechanical strength with fewer cortices of purchase on each side of the fracture.

Purpose:

To compare the biomechanical and clinical performance of 3- versus 2-screw constructs for plating displaced midshaft clavicle fractures.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study/cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Lateral fragments of simulated midshaft fractures in 10 pairs of cadaveric clavicles were randomly assigned to plate fixation with either 3 nonlocking screws or 2 locking screws. Cyclic tensile loads were applied along the long axis of the clavicle. The constructs were then loaded to failure with pullout forces applied parallel to the long axis of the screws. Additionally, clinical outcomes of patients who had midshaft clavicle fractures that were surgically repaired were retrospectively identified and compared; 21 patients were treated with 3-screw constructs and 20 with 2-screw constructs.

Results:

Biomechanically, there were no significant differences for cyclic displacement, stiffness, yield load, or ultimate load between groups. Forces required for screw pullout were considerably higher than physiologic forces experienced by a healing clavicle in vivo. Clinically, there were no significant differences in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Constant, visual analog scale, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores; complications; or mean time to union. Additionally, we found that the plates used in the 2-screw group were consistently shorter.

Conclusion:

Plate fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures with 4 cortices of purchase with 2 locking screws demonstrated no significant differences biomechanically when compared with fixation with 6 cortices of purchase and 3 nonlocking screws. Clinically, there were no significant differences in outcomes or complications seen in patients receiving 2- or 3-screw constructs.

Clinical Relevance:

Clinical benefits of using the 3-screw construct for plate fixation include decreased surgical exposure, morbidity, and cost, and the use of shorter and noncontoured straight plates eliminates the extra time and technical difficulty associated with matching longer contoured plates to the complex morphology of the clavicle.

Surgical Treatment of Displaced Midshaft Clavicle Fractures: Precontoured Plates Versus Noncontoured Plates

PURPOSE

To compare the outcomes and complications of open reduction and internal fixation using precontoured versus noncontoured plates for the treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures.

METHODS

Open reduction and internal fixation using was performed on 130 patients with a midshaft clavicle fracture. Precontoured plates were used in 69 cases (group A) and noncontoured plates in 61 cases (group B).

RESULTS

The average follow-up in both groups was approximately 21 months. There was a significant difference between the 2 groups in mean surgery duration and blood loss, although Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Constant-Murley Shoulder scores at final follow-up were similar. Plate removal was required in 44.9% (31 of 69) of the precontoured group and 65.6% (40 of 61) of the noncontoured group. The indication was prominence of the hardware in 27.5% (19 of 69) of the precontoured group and 54.1% (33 of 61) of the noncontoured. In both groups, body mass index was lower in patients requiring implant removal because of hardware prominence. A higher proportion of females in both groups required implant removal.

CONCLUSIONS

Precontoured plates are associated with a lower rate of hardware removal. Body mass index and gender may be factors that influence the rate of hardware removal.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Smoking status and the Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand score are early predictors of symptomatic nonunion of displaced midshaft fractures of the clavicle

AIMS

This study identifies early risk factors for symptomatic nonunion of displaced midshaft fractures of the clavicle that aid identification of an at risk group who may benefit from surgery.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of 88 patients aged between 16 and 60 years that were managed non-operatively.

RESULTS

The rate of symptomatic nonunion requiring surgery was 14% (n = 13). Smoking (odds ratio (OR) 40.76, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.38 to 120.30) and the six week Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.22, for each point increase) were independent predictors of nonunion. A six week DASH score of 35 or more was identified as a threshold value to predict nonunion using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Smoking and the threshold value in the DASH and were additive risk factors for nonunion, when neither were present the risk of nonunion was 2%, if one or the other were present the nonunion rate was between 17% to 20%, and if both were present the rate increased to 44%.

DISCUSSION

Patients with either of these risk factors, which include approximately half of all patients sustaining displaced midshaft fractures of the clavicle, are at an increased risk of developing a symptomatic non-union.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

Smoking and failure of functional return at six weeks are significant predictors of nonunion of the midshaft of the clavicle. Such patients warrant further investigation as to whether they would benefit from early surgical fixation in order to avoid the morbidity of a nonunion.

Anteroinferior versus superior plating of clavicular fractures

BACKGROUND

Open reduction and plate fixation has gained recognition as an effective treatment for certain types of clavicular fractures. However, 88% of cases report some implant-related problems. To determine the optimal plate position, the aim of the present study was to compare implant-related irritation and proportion of plate removal in patients with clavicular fractures undergoing plate fixation by an anteroinferior or superior approach.

METHODS

Retrospectively collected data of 39 patients who underwent anteroinferior plating for displaced midshaft clavicular fractures were compared with prospectively collected data of 60 patients who were treated with superior plate fixation as part of a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Electronic medical records were reviewed for reports of complications, in particular, implant-related irritation and implant removal during follow-up. In addition, all patients were contacted in June 2014 to obtain additional information. The primary outcome parameter was implant-related irritation.

RESULTS

Univariate and multivariate regression analysis showed plate position was not significantly associated with implant-related irritation. Higher rates of asymptomatic patients with the plate still in place were observed in the anteroinferior group (46% vs 22%, P = .01). Almost an equal percentage of implant removals was seen in both groups because of implant irritation (36% vs 37%, P = .938).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study found the surgical approach of clavicular plating was not associated with implant-related irritation. Future studies are needed to determine whether there is an optimal approach for clavicle plating.

Using suture and locking anatomical bridging plate to fix comminuted mid-shaft clavicle fractures with intramedullary nail assistance in reduction

BACKGROUND

During conventional plate fixation of comminuted midshaft fracture of the clavicle, wedge-shaped fragments often need to be fixed with lag screws. A new procedure, which included intramedullary K-wire assistance in reduction, binding fragments by suture, and eventually bridging plate fixation, was compared with conventional techniques.

HYPOTHESIS

This new procedure is more effective than the conventional techniques, and the fixation of free fragments using lag screws is not necessary.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 60 patients from August 2008 to March 2013 with comminuted midshaft clavicular fractures with wedge-shaped fragments. Seventeen patients were treated with conventional plate fixation, and the wedge-shaped fragments were fixed using lag screws (LSPF). Another 43 patients were treated with the new procedure, including intramedullary K-wire assistance in reduction, binding of wedge-shaped fragments by suture, and bridging plate fixation (KSB). Patients were followed for an average of 13 months and radiographs were used to observe fracture healing. Shoulder function was assessed using the Constant Score System (CSS).

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in bone healing time and shoulder function between the two study groups. The operating time for KSB was significantly shorter than conventional LSPF (P=0.014). Fractures healed in 14.9±5.59 weeks for the conventional LSPF group and in 13.6±3.59 weeks for the KSB group. One patient treated with conventional LSPF had implant failure and underwent a second operation.

CONCLUSIONS

KSB is a simple and effective procedure for comminuted midshaft clavicular fractures. The wedge-shaped fragments in comminuted midshaft clavicular fractures do not always need to be fixed by lag screws and the new procedure described is an effective treatment alternative.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Surgical treatment of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures with precontoured plates

BACKGROUND

Plate fixation of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures has been shown to decrease nonunion, symptomatic malunion, and residual shoulder disability compared with nonoperative treatment. However hardware-related complications are a problem. The new features of the precontoured locking plates may reduce the need for hardware removal, thus maintaining the advantages of plate fixation. This study evaluated the clinical outcomes of patients with displaced midshaft clavicular fractures treated with precontoured locking plates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From November 2008 to December 2012, we surgically treated 72 patients with displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. We retrospectively evaluated 68 patients who underwent 68 interventions. Postoperative functional outcomes were assessed with the Constant score, the 11-item version of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire, and radiographs. Pain was subjectively assessed with a visual analog scale. Complications were recorded. Patients were asked if they were able to return to their previous employment level.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 23.6 ± 10.7 months. The average values of the Constant, QuickDASH, and visual analog scale scores were 97.8, 1.8, and 0.4 points, respectively. At the last follow-up, 98.5% were able to return to their regular work. Of 15 complications (22.1%) that occurred, only 3 were considered as major: 1 subclavian vein extrinsic compression, 1 nonunion, and 1 hardware loosening. Hardware removal was required in 9 patients (13.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Satisfactory clinical results with a low rate of complications were achieved with precontoured locking plates for displaced midshaft clavicular fractures and a low rate of hardware removal compared with traditional plates.

Ulnar shaft stress fracture in a high school softball pitcher

This article presents a case of a 17-year-old softball pitcher with insidious onset of right forearm pain. On presentation, the patient had tenderness on palpation of the midshaft of the ulna, pain with resisted pronation, and pain with fulcrum-type stressing of the forearm. A bone scan revealed increased uptake in the right ulna, and a subsequent magnetic resonance imaging revealed bone marrow edema and numerous small ulnar stress fractures. She was treated with bone stimulation and complete rest and is in the process of returning to pitching.

Mathieu repair of distal and midshaft hypospadias: risks and benefits of foreskin reconstruction versus circumcision

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the risks and benefits of Mathieu repair of hypospadias with or without circumcision in consecutive operated cases.

Methods

Eighty-six children with midshaft or distal hypospadias were randomly divided into two groups and underwent circumcision (Group A) or preputial reconstruction (Group B) during hypospadias repair. Postoperative complications, outcomes, and parental satisfaction were assessed for circumcised and uncircumcised patients. All patients with midshaft or distal hypospadias with or without minimal chordee were included.

Results

No statistically significant differences in urethral complications were found between the two groups. Meatal stenosis occurred in one case in Group A and one case in Group B. Fistulae occurred in five cases in Group A and six cases in Group B. Urethral dehiscence occurred in no case in either group. No case of phimosis was seen in Group B. After a mean follow-up of 6 months, all parents of Group A cases stated that they were satisfied with the circumcision for religious and/or social reasons, but no parents of Group B cases were satisfied with preputioplasty (P ≤ 0.05). No case of hypospadias repair failure was seen in our operated cases. Finally, no cases in Group B required redo hypospadias surgery.

Conclusion

Mathieu repair with synchronous circumcision is feasible in all patients with distal or midshaft hypospadias with or without minimal chordee, and should be considered in accordance with surgeon preference. In the case of prepuce preservation, parents should be informed that there is a benefit of tissue banking for probable redo hypospadias repair but with an increased risk of complications and a need for another procedure, ie, circumcision.