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Clavicle fracture: Fixation using Synthes superior clavicle plate

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Clavicle fractures are common accounting for around 2.6% of all fractures, with middle third fractures accounting for 80%. 2-6% occur in the medial third, while the remaining 12-16% occur in the lateral end of the clavicle. These fractures most commonly occur in a young and active population.

The management of such injuries can be controversial as historically, displaced mid-shaft clavicle fractures have been managed conservatively with low reported non-union rates. However, more literature has reported much higher rates, up to 20% on occasion. It is widely accepted that this can be reduced significantly with surgical intervention.

Whilst there is some risk with any surgical intervention, the published results also demonstrate that  plate and screw fixation can be performed safely to give a good outcome with improved patient satisfaction and a reduction in the non-union rate compared to conservatively managed fractures.

For displaced lateral end clavicle fractures, there is a higher rate of non-union and therefore, the threshold for surgical fixation is lower. Options for surgical fixation include specific lateral end anatomic clavicle plates utilising a variety of locking screw options for the smaller lateral fragment. Some plates allow reconstruction of the ruptured coracoclavicular ligaments with a non-absorbable material to augment and support the repair. If standard internal fixation is not possible due to comminution, these fractures can also be managed with a hook plate. The lateral end of this plate hooks under the acromion and butresses the lateral clavicle from displacing superiorly. The disadvantage with this type of fixation is that it needs to be removed once the fracture has healed to avoid impinging on the rotator cuff and causing a cuff tear. Whilst in situ, it may also physically limit the arc of movement in the shoulder.

There are many implant companies with clavicle specific plates. My preference is for the Synthes LCP clavicular (Locking Compression Plates). These are anatomically contoured and sided plates with either a superior or supero-anterior plates option for mid-shaft clavicle fractures. Superior clavicle plates tend to require less contouring. Theoretically, the medial screws are also directed further away from the neuro-vascular bundle. The plates and screws on the Synthes set are made of stainless steel with the “combi-hole” design allowing the option of either locking or non-locking screws within the same hole. The Synthes clavicle set also provides useful instruments to facilitate the surgical exposure and fracture reduction.

Author: Mr Sam Chan, FRCS (Tr & Orth).

Institution: The Queen Elizabeth hospital, Birmingham, UK.

Clinicians should seek clarification on whether any implant demonstrated is licensed for use in their own country.

In the USA contact: fda.gov
In the UK contact: gov.uk
In the EU contact: ema.europa.eu

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