Prospective Analysis of Surgical Treatment For Displaced Midshaft Clavicle Fractures in Adults

Abstract

Background:  The  traditional  view  that  the  vast  majority  of  midshaft  clavicular  fractures  heal  with  good  functional  outcomes following non-operative treatment may be no longer valid for all midshaft clavicular fractures. And it is becoming increasingly apparent that clavicular malunion is a distinct clinical entity with radiographic, orthopedic, neurologic, and cosmetic features. Recent studies have shown a high prevalence of symptomatic malunion and nonunion after nonoperative treatment of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures.

Objective: To analyze the demography of midshaft clavicular fracture and to observe union time, DASH score, and complication of surgical treatment.  Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study of 34 cases with midshaft clavicle fracture was conducted in Nepalgunj medical college, Kohalpur in a time span of one year. Patients were treated operatively with plating and followed up at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 18 weeks, 6 and 12 month.

Results: Thirty four patients (Male: 29 Female: 5) with average age 32.95 years (range: 19 to 59 years) were operated for clavicular fracture with male predominance (85.30%). The mean time for fracture healing was 16.24 weeks and mean DASH score was 13.58.

Conclusions: Displaced midshaft clavicular fracture can be effectively managed with plating and have improved functional outcome and shorter time for union.

JNGMC Vol. 13 No. 2 December 2015, Page: 17-20