Surgery for the fractured clavicle: factors predicting nonunion

Do multiple fractures affect risk of fixation failure after surgical treatment of midshaft clavicle fracture? A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures is associated with quick recovery and low risk of non-union. However, fixation failure may occur in case of severe comminution fractures. Moreover, clinical outcomes may be affected when clavicle fractures occur in combination with other injuries, particularly those involving the lower extremities, as the use of crutches or walkers may hinder the process of rehabilitation by adding strain on the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, resulting in possible fixation failure. This study aims to identify risk factors for fixation failure of midshaft clavicle fractures and elucidate the role of combined fractures in treatment outcomes.

METHODS

This study included patients diagnosed with midshaft clavicle fractures who underwent initial surgery between January 2012 and November 2021 at a designated regional trauma center hospital. Retrospective evaluation of fixation failure was carried out in 352 patients with midshaft clavicle fractures using standard clinical evaluation protocols and conventional radiographs. The prevalence of fixation failure and the effects of several demographic variables on the risk of fixation failure and non-union were examined. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify independent risk factors for fixation failure.

RESULTS

Fixation failure occurred in 40 patients (11.4%). Multivariate analysis identified comminution [odds ratio (OR) 3.532, p value = 0.003, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.55-8.05)] and fewer number of screws (OR 0.223, p value = 0.022, 95% CI 0.06-0.80) as risk factors for fixation failure. Surgical techniques using wire cerclage reduced the chances of fixation failure in comminuted fractures (OR 0.63, p value = 0.033, 95% CI 0.05-0.80). Combined fractures that required rehabilitation using walkers or crutches increased the risk of non-union (OR 19.043, p value = 0.032, 95% CI 1.28-282.46).

CONCLUSIONS

Additional fixation of comminuted fractures using cerclage can reduce the risk of treatment failure, while multiple fractures or rehabilitation for ambulation increases the risk of the same.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Predictors requiring special attention to prevent clavicle fracture nonunion: a systematic review of literature

Background

Clavicle fracture (CF) is the tenth most prevalent fracture, accounting for an annual incidence of 37/10,000. This systematic review highlights the factors contributing to the nonunion union of the clavicular fracture.

Method

A systematic search was conducted using three web-based databases up to August 12, 2022, for conducting qualitative analysis. Articles were screened for relevance, and only studies that met inclusion criteria based on PECOS; P (patients): participants diagnosed with clavicular fracture; E (exposure): nonunion, C (control): not applicable; O (outcomes): factors contributing to nonunion or delayed union; S (studies): trials and observational studies. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the cohort studies. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the bias in randomized control trials.

Results

Ten studies were selected after the final literature search. Two thousand seven hundred and sixty-six adult participants who were radiologically and clinically diagnosed with nonunion clavicular fracture were included to pool the qualitative results. Fall was the most dominant cause of clavicular fracture, followed by road traffic collisions. Open reduction was widely used to treat nonunion correction. The qualitative results suggested a prominent correlation of nonunion with advancing age, female gender, high energy trauma, high Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score, smoking, fracture displacement, clavicular shortening, the callus on radiography, and fracture movement. The mid-shaft fracture was the most dominant type of fracture in the included studies; highly associated with nonunion in comparison to medial or lateral CF. The previous history of operation was an independent factor contributing to nonunion.

Conclusion

The results of this systematic review suggested the predictors contributing to nonunion in the CF. Demographic factors such as advancing age with female gender are at higher risk of developing clavicular nonunion. Smoking was the most dominantly highlighted environmental factor contributing to nonunion. Diaphyseal or midshaft fracture was the most common site for nonunion. Therefore, we suggested that patients with the predictors mentioned above require special attention to prevent nonunion of the CFs. More studies should be conducted on this subject to assess the factors that pose a risk associated with the nonunion of the bone for better clinical management and outcomes of the fracture.

Influence of smoking on the healing of conservatively treated displaced midshaft clavicle fractures

Aims

Tobacco, in addition to being one of the greatest public health threats facing our world, is believed to have deleterious effects on bone metabolism and especially on bone healing. It has been described in the literature that patients who smoke are approximately twice as likely to develop a nonunion following a non-specific bone fracture. For clavicle fractures, this risk is unclear, as is the impact that such a complication might have on the initial management of these fractures.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed for conservatively treated displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (via Cochrane Library) were searched from inception to 12 May 2022, with supplementary searches in Open Grey, ClinicalTrials.gov, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, and Google Scholar. The searches were performed without limits for publication date or languages.

Results

The meta-analysis included eight studies, 2,285 observations, and 304 events (nonunion). The random effects model predicted a pooled risk ratio (RR) of 3.68 (95% confidence interval 1.87 to 7.23), which can be considered significant (p = 0.003). It indicates that smoking more than triples the risk of nonunion when a fracture is treated conservatively.

Conclusion

Smoking confers a RR of 3.68 for developing a nonunion in patients with a displaced middle third clavicle fracture treated conservatively. We know that most patients with pseudarthrosis will have pain and a poor functional outcome. Therefore, patients should be informed of the significantly higher risks of nonunion and offered smoking cessation efforts and counselling. Moreover, surgery should be considered for any patient who smokes with this type of fracture.

Safe and Effective Treatment of Compromised Clavicle Fracture of the Medial and Lateral Third Using Focused Shockwaves

A delay or failure to heal is the most common possible complication in clavicle fractures, especially in cases primarily treated conservatively. As the current standard therapy, surgical revision achieves good healing results, but is associated with potential surgery-related complications. Shockwave therapy as a non-invasive therapy shows similar reasonable consolidation rates in the non-union of different localizations, but avoids complications. Compromised clavicle fractures in the middle and lateral third treated with focused high-energy shockwave therapy were compared with those treated with surgical revision (ORIF). In addition, a three-dimensional computer simulation for evaluating the pressure distribution during shockwave application accompanied the clinical study. A comparable healing rate in bony consolidation was achieved in both groups. Significantly fewer complications, however, occurred in the shockwave group. The simulations showed safe application in this instance, particularly in avoiding lung tissue affection. When applied correctly, shockwaves represent a safe and promising therapy option for compromised clavicle fractures in the middle and lateral third.

Factors Associated With Surgical Treatment of Isolated, Displaced Midshaft Clavicle Fractures

Given the current available evidence, surgical treatment of isolated, displaced midshaft clavicle fractures is discretionary. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are identifiable factors associated with the surgical treatment of isolated, displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. A retrospective cohort study of 150 patients who underwent nonoperative treatment and 290 patients who underwent surgical treatment of isolated, displaced midshaft clavicle fractures from January 2010 to March 2019 at 2 level I trauma centers was performed. Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that younger age (odds ratio [OR], 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99), absence of diabetes mellitus (OR, 0.045; 95% CI, 0.003-0.79), nonsmoking status (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.13-0.75), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (OR, 5.0; 95% CI, 2.7-9.2), fracture comminution (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.3-3.9), and fracture displacement (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.1) were associated with surgical treatment of an isolated, displaced midshaft clavicle fracture. Furthermore, lower social deprivation (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99) and private insurance compared with Medicare (OR, 6.6; 95% CI, 1.6-27) were associated with surgical treatment. The authors conclude that surgical treatment of discretionary midshaft clavicle fractures is influenced by patient factors, fracture characteristics, and socioeconomic factors. Further study is needed to understand the etiology of social disparities in clavicle surgery and rectify unintended trends in treatment. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(4):e515-e520.].

Axillary Artery Pseudoaneurysm After Revision Plate Osteosynthesis of a Midshaft Clavicle Fracture Nonunion: A Case Report

CASE

A patient with history of nonunion repair of traumatic midshaft clavicle fracture was referred to our orthopaedic trauma clinic for new-onset shoulder pain and paresthesias involving the ipsilateral arm. Computed tomography angiography revealed an axillary artery pseudoaneurysm adjacent to the instrumentation and recurrent nonunion of the fracture site. The patient underwent coil embolization of the pseudoaneurysm and nonunion repair.

CONCLUSION

This case demonstrates that iatrogenic neurovascular injury during clavicle fracture nonunion repairs can present in a delayed fashion requiring more thorough clinical and imaging evaluation to achieve successful treatment.

Treatment of distal clavicle fractures using a Scorpion plate and influence of timing on surgical outcomes: a retrospective cohort study of 105 cases

Background

Plate fixation is an established method for treating unstable distal clavicle fractures. However, the appropriate timing of surgery for acute distal clavicle fractures remains unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of osteosynthesis using a Scorpion plate and to assess the influence of surgery timing on the surgical outcomes for acute unstable distal clavicle fractures.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 105 patients who underwent fixation for acute unstable distal clavicle fractures (Neer type II and V) using the Scorpion plate between 2008 and 2018. Patients were divided into early (45 patients) and delayed (60 patients) treatment groups based on the timing of the surgical intervention (within or after 7 days). The outcomes were postoperative complications (nonunion, peri-implant fracture, plate loosening, plate-related pain, and stiffness). We evaluated the outcomes from X-ray radiographs and clinical notes.

Results

Among the 105 patients, nonunion, plate loosening, plate-related pain, and stiffness were observed in six patients (5.7%), four patients (3.8%), seven patients (6.7%), and one patient (1.0%), respectively. The nonunion rate was significantly higher in the delayed treatment group than that in the early treatment group (P = 0.036). Although the difference was not significant, plate loosening and stiffness were only observed in the delayed treatment group.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that osteosynthesis using Scorpion plates achieved satisfactory surgical outcomes for unstable distal clavicle fractures. In addition, this study suggested that performing surgery within 6 days after injury is recommended to reduce postoperative complications.

Current concepts in the management of clavicle fractures

Clavicle fractures comprise approximately 3% of all adult fractures and there is evidence that the incidence is increasing. Fractures of the lateral and middle third of the clavicle present distinct challenges in both surgical fixation techniques and clinical outcome, as such they should be recognised as separate clinical entities. Despite conflicting evidence, most studies indicate that superior clinical results are found in patients with united clavicle fractures rather than those that go onto non-union. Furthermore there is level-1 evidence that operative treatment of clavicle fractures leads to significantly increased rates of union. Despite these findings, significant controversy still exists on which patients would benefit from primary fixation and those who could successfully be managed non-operatively. We present an evidence-based review of clavicle fracture management including surgical indications, techniques, and results.

Coracoclavicular Double-Button Fixation of Displaced Lateral Clavicular Fracture in a Patient without Coracoid Process

Background

Displaced distal clavicular fractures are generally operated on because of the high nonunion rate after nonoperative treatment. Several surgical techniques have been developed to reduce the nonunion rate and improve functional outcomes. One of them is closed reduction and minimally invasive coracoclavicular double-button fixation, which requires the integrity of the coracoid process to be performed.

Case Summary

We present a 35-year-old male patient who had been successfully subjected to a modified Latarjet procedure for glenohumeral instability with bony defect treatment, and 7 months later suffered a distal clavicle fracture in his ipsilateral shoulder. With a CT scan, we analyzed the coracoid remnant size (7 mm), and we consider it enough to perform a minimally invasive double-button technique, using this remnant as a distal fixation.

Postoperative and Follow-Up

Radiographic and clinical fracture union occurred 10 weeks after the procedure. The patient returned to sports at the same level he had before surgery and achieved full strength and range of motion.

Conclusion

Closed reduction and minimally invasive double-button fixation of displaced distal clavicular fractures is a safe, reproducible, and versatile technique, which can even be performed without an intact coracoid process.

Open reduction and internal fixation of clavicular fractures after a delay of three months is associated with an increased risk of complications and revision surgery

AIMS

The primary aim of this study was to determine if delayed clavicular fixation results in a greater risk of operative complications and revision surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective case series was undertaken of all displaced clavicular fractures that underwent plate fixation over a ten-year period (2007 to 2017). Patient demographics, time to surgery, complications, and mode of failure were collected. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors contributing towards operative complications. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine if a potential 'safe window' exists from injury to delayed surgery. Propensity score matching was used to construct a case control study for comparison of risk.

RESULTS

A total of 259 patients were included in the analysis. Postoperative infection occurred in 3.9% of all patients (n = 10); the only variable associated was a greater time interval from injury to fixation (p = 0.001). Failed primary surgery requiring revision fixation was required in 7.7% of the cohort (n = 20), with smoking (p < 0.001), presence of a postoperative infection (p < 0.001), increasing age (p = 0.018), and greater time delay from injury to surgery (p = 0.015) identified as significant independent predictors on regression analysis. ROC analysis revealed that surgery beyond 96 days from injury increased the rate of major complications and revision surgery. Using a matched case cohort of cases before (n = 67) and after (n = 77) the 'safe window', the risk of postoperative infection increased (odds ratio (OR) 7.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9 to 62.9; p = 0.028), fixation failure (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.2 to 12.1; p = 0.017) and revision surgery (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.5 to 15.0; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

A delay to primary fixation of up to three months following injury may be acceptable, beyond which there is an increased risk of major operative complications and revision surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1385-1391.