Surgical management of displaced clavicle fractures using precontoured locking plate

Background: Most acute displaced clavicular fractures conventionally have been treated non-operatively with the expectation of a high probability of fracture union, good functional outcomes, and a high level of patient satisfaction. However, the outcome of non-operative treatment is not as favorable as once thought and there has been a growing trend to treat these fractures surgically. Objective: To study the clinical outcome of displaced clavicle fractures managed surgically by precontoured locking plate and screws. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was carried out between April 2015 to March 2019 in School of Medical Sciences & Research, Sharda University where 50 patients with displaced clavicle fractures were treated surgically by pre-contoured locking plate & screws. They were followed up for a minimum period of 9 months and evaluated for clinical outcome using DASH score and CONSTANT MURLEY score. Results: Out of 50 cases 42 cases had excellent results and 5 patients had good results without complications. 2 cases which were going for delayed union were treated with bone grafting and 1 case, where the plate was exposed on the medial aspect at 8 weeks follow up, plate was removed and wound was closed in layers. Conclusion: In our study of displaced clavicle fractures, which were effectively treated surgically with pre-contoured locking plate & screws, gave excellent results & to be considered the best surgical modality for displaced clavicle fracture with impending skin puncture management.