Distal Radius Plates With Coracoid Suture Anchors for the Fixation of Displaced Lateral End Clavicle Fractures

Introduction Management of displaced fractures of the lateral end clavicle has always challenged orthopaedic surgeons, due to a high non-union rate, and difficulty achieving stable fixation allowing early mobilisation. Different methods of fixation have been utilised to provide stability and improve healing and functional outcomes. In this series, we evaluate the results of internal fixation using dorsal distal radius locking plates and coracoid suture anchors. Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical notes and radiographs of eight consecutive patients with fractures of the lateral end of the clavicle presented to our hospital between January 2016 and December 2017. Patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using dorsal distal radius locking plates and coracoid suture anchors. Results All patients achieved full range of motion of the shoulder at eight weeks postoperatively. There were no intra-operative complications. Evidence of bone healing was noted in all cases within eight weeks post-operatively. There were no cases of wound complications, metal work irritation or fixation failures. The pre-morbid level of function was restored following the rehab protocol and physiotherapy. Conclusion Dorsal distal radius plates with suture anchor fixation appear to be a valuable alternative for the treatment of fractures of the lateral end of the clavicle. Coracoclavicular fixation provided and maintained the reduction of the fracture. Good clinical results can be achieved with a low risk of complications and without the need for metalwork removal.

Descriptive Epidemiology of Adolescent Clavicle Fractures: Results From the FACTS (Function after Adolescent Clavicle Trauma and Surgery) Prospective, Multicenter Cohort Study

Background:

The majority of previous investigations on operative fixation of clavicle fractures have been related to the adult population, with occasional assessments of the younger, more commonly affected adolescent population. Despite limited prospective data for adolescents, the incidence of operative fixation of adolescent diaphyseal clavicle fractures has increased.

Purpose:

To detail the demographic features and descriptive epidemiology of a large pooled cohort of adolescent patients with diaphyseal clavicle fractures presenting to pediatric tertiary care centers in the United States through an observational, prospective, multicenter cohort study (Function after Adolescent Clavicle Trauma and Surgery [FACTS]).

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Patients aged 10 to 18 years who were treated for a diaphyseal clavicle fracture between August 2013 and February 2016 at 1 of 8 geographically diverse, high-volume, tertiary care pediatric centers were screened. Treatment was rendered by any of the pediatric orthopaedic providers at each of the 8 institutions, which totaled more than 50 different providers. Age, sex, race, ethnicity, fracture laterality, hand dominance, mechanism of injury, injury activity, athletic participation, fracture characteristics, and treatment decisions were prospectively recorded in those who were eligible and consented to enroll.

Results:

A total of 545 patients were included in the cohort. The mean age of the study population was 14.1 ± 2.1 years, and 79% were male. Fractures occurred on the nondominant side (56%) more frequently than the dominant side (44%). Sport was the predominant activity during which the injury occurred (66%), followed by horseplay (12%) and biking (6%). The primary mechanism of injury was a direct blow/hit to the shoulder (60%). Overall, 54% were completely displaced fractures, defined as fractures with no anatomic cortical contact between fragments. Mean shortening within the completely displaced group was 21.9 mm when measuring the distance between fragment ends (end to end) and 12.4 mm when measuring the distance between the fragment end to the corresponding cortical defect (cortex to corresponding cortex) on the other fragment (ie, true shortening). Comminution was present in 18% of all fractures. While 83% of all clavicle fractures were treated nonoperatively, 32% of completely displaced fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation.

Conclusion:

Adolescent clavicle fractures occurred more commonly in male patients during sports, secondary to a direct blow to the shoulder, and on the nondominant side. Slightly more than half of these fractures were completely displaced, and approximately one-fifth were comminuted. Within this large cohort, approximately one-third of patients with completely displaced fractures underwent surgery, allowing for future prospective comparative analyses of radiographic, clinical, and functional outcomes.

Intramedullary nail fixation of non-traditional fractures: Clavicle, forearm, fibula

Locked intramedullary fixation is a well-established technique for managing long-bone fractures. While intramedullary nail fixation of diaphyseal fractures in the femur, tibia, and humerus is well established, the same is not true for other fractures. Surgical fixations of clavicle, forearm and ankle are traditionally treated with plate and screw fixation. In some cases, fixation with an intramedullary device is possible, and may be advantageous. However, there is however a concern regarding a lack of rotational stability and fracture shortening. While new generation of locked intramedullary devices for fractures of clavicle, forearm and fibula are recently available, the outcomes are not as reliable as fixation with plates and screws. Further research in this area is warranted with high quality comparative studies, to investigate the outcomes and indication of these fractures treated with intramedullary nail devices compared to intramedullary nail fixation.