PLATE FIXATION OF FRESH DISPLACED MIDSHAFT CLAVICULAR FRACTURES

Abstract

Amal Battacharya1, Shomik Sarkar2

Between 2005 to 2010, twenty-eight fresh displaced midshaft clavicular fractures in adults with an average age of 36.4 years were treated with primary internal fixation using reconstruction plates. The fractures were completely displaced with or without comminution. Patients less than 20 years of ages, those with associated complex fracture of the shoulder girdle and with neurovascular compromise were excluded from the study. The follow up period varied from 6 to 24 months. Superficial infection developed in 4 (14.2%) patients and deep infection in one (3.5%). The average time to union was 10 weeks. There was no metal work failure. Nonunion occurred in two patients (7.1%), 4 patients (14.2%) complained of occasional pain associated with activity. 6 patients (21.4%) developed skin numbness. There was no impairment shoulder of shoulder movement. 90% of patients were happy with the outcome.

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