Conservative treatment for clavicle stress fractures following the clavicular hook plate fixation

Abstract

We investigated the outcome of conservative treatment and potential causes for clavicle stress fractures following the clavicular hook plate fixation. Six cases of clavicle stress fractures were retrospectively reviewed. All the stress fractures occurred near the medial end of the hook plates. The average interval between the hook plate fixation and the clavicle stress fractures was 28.3 days (range, 18 to 60 days). The mean follow-up was 27 months (range, 15 to 42 months). Fracture union was achieved in all 6 cases. The most proximal screws in the hook plates were found to be eccentric in the clavicular midshaft in 5 cases. At the final follow-up, the average Constant and Murley scores of the operated shoulders were 91.7 (range, 83 to 96). Clavicle stress fractures could be treated conservatively with satisfactory results. Attention should be paid to the position of the most proximal screws in the hook plates.