Late function and complications of hook plate implantation for distal-third clavicle fractures : a retrospective study

Abstract

In this study, the examined data was analysed from 61 patients with Neer type II clavicle fractures treated with hook plate implantation between January 2008 and February 2011. The patients were divided into three groups depending on the removing time of plates after the fractures healing : early removal (<3 months, n=20), delayed removal (3-6 months, n=35), and retained plate (>6 months, n=6). All patients underwent clinical and radiographic follow-up in the outpatient department for a median of 18 months and every fracture healed eventually. Shoulder function was evaluated using the Constant shoulder score. The mean Constant shoulder score was greater, indicating better function, in the early removal group than the delayed  removal and retained plategroups (96 [range 89-100] vs. 77 [65-89] and 61 [57-78], respectively ; p=0.000). The complication rateswere10%, 22.9%, and 50% in the early, delayed removal and retained plate groups, respectively (p=0.043). As a conclusion, the removal timing of the hook plate for distal clavicle fractures plays an important role in subsequent shoulder function and complications.