Locked volar plating for unstable distal radial fractures: Clinical and radiological outcomes

We studied 40 patients treated with locked volar plates for unstable distal radial fractures. Outcome was assessed at a mean of 59 weeks, both radiologically and functionally using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, range of motion and grip strength.The complication rate in our series was 48%. In 11 cases, screw penetration into the radiocarpal joint occurred as a consequence of postoperative collapse. Of these, 25% had malunited and 12.5% ruptured their extensor pollicus longus (EPL) tendon. Functionally, when compared with the contralateral side, 74% of extension, 67% of flexion, 91% of pronation and supination and 81% of grip strength were regained. The mean DASH score was 23.Although locked volar plates can achieve good results in the management of unstable distal radial fractures, there remains a high major complication rate. They should be used with caution particularly in fractures with significant metaphyseal comminution.     

锁骨外侧端不稳定骨折的手术治疗

目的 探讨有外侧端不稳定骨折的手术治疗方法及疗效。方法 钢丝环绕锁骨、喙突固定,不暴露骨折端,治疗１６例锁骨外侧端不稳定Ⅱ型骨折。结果 随访６～１８个月,无畸形愈合、延迟愈合及不愈合,患肢功能恢复良好。结论 该方法不暴露骨折断端,操作简便,损伤小,疗效好,是治疗锁骨外侧端不稳定骨折的良好方法。     

锁骨钩钢板治疗锁骨远端骨折

2004年6月～2006年12月,笔者采用锁骨钩钢板治疗15例急性锁骨远端骨折,疗效满意。     

喙突锁骨间固定治疗锁骨外端不稳定骨折

锁骨外端不稳定骨折较为常见，手术治疗方法较多。我院采用喙突锁骨问固定治疗(喙突和锁骨问环扎钢丝及螺钉固定法)新鲜锁骨外端不稳定骨折，疗效优良，现报告如下。     

Coracoid fracture combined with distal clavicle fracture without coracoclavicular ligament rupture: A case report

Distal clavicle fracture accompanied by coracoid process one is a rare injury. Surgical and/or conservative treatments are proposed. We report the case of a 49-year-old woman presenting a distal clavicle fracture associated with a coracoid process one due to a fall on the left shoulder. Both injuries are treated surgically. Per operatively, and through an anterior “strap” approach, the coracoclavicular ligament was seen intact. The distal clavicle fracture was fixed with K-wires and cerclage and the coracoid process was secured by a screw. Active-assisted rehabilitation of the shoulder was initiated 3 weeks after surgery. At the last follow-up of twelve months, the patient had painless full shoulder functions and X-rays show bony union. Early recovery to normal life is possible with surgical treatment in patients with distal clavicle fracture combined with coracoid fracture.     

Treatment of acute unstable distal clavicle fractures with single coracoclavicular suture fixation

Distal clavicular fractures are less common than fractures involving the middle third of the clavicle. For Neer type IIb distal clavicular unstable fractures associated with disruption of the coracoclavicular ligament, surgical treatment is indicated because of the high risk of nonunion. Various surgical methods can be found in the literature, but no gold standard has been established. We treated 29 consecutive adult patients with unstable distal clavicular fracture with single coracoclavicular suture fixation by using single Mersilene tape (Ethicon, Somerville, New Jersey) and without repair of the torn coracoclavicular ligament or hardware implantation.Twenty-eight patients were followed for at least 46 months (mean, 57.3 months). All fractures healed without further treatment, with a mean time to union of 14.3 weeks. There was no major morbidity, but 2 minor complications occurred. One patient experienced a frozen shoulder on the treated side postoperatively. After adequate rehabilitation, the symptom resolved without any complications at final follow-up. Another patient reported uncomfortable skin tenting due to subcutaneous protrusion of the suture node of the Mersilene tape. After simple subcutaneous surgical removal of the node under local anesthesia, the discomfort resolved. Mean University of California Los Angeles shoulder rating score was 34 (range, 29-35). Twenty patients had excellent results and 8 had good results. All patients resumed their previous levels of activity.     

Results of the Bosworth method for unstable fractures of the distal clavicle

Eleven consecutive Neer's type II unstable fractures of the distal third of the clavicle were treated by open reduction and internal fixation, using a temporary Bosworth-type screw. In all cases, fracture healing occurred within 10 weeks. Shoulder function was restored to the pre-injury level. A Bosworth-type screw fixation is a relatively easy and safe technique of open reduction and internal fixation of type II fractures of the distal third of the clavicle.     

锁骨钩钢板治疗锁骨远端骨折

目的 探讨AO锁骨钩钢板治疗锁骨远端骨折的疗效。方法 2001年5月～2003年5月，采用AO锁骨钩钢板治疗14例急性锁骨远端骨折（NeerⅡ型)的患者。结果 14例患者均取得满意的效果，无切口感染、内固定失效、骨折不愈合等并发症。结论 AO锁骨钩钢板是治疗锁骨远端骨折的较理想的方法。     

The clinical and radiological outcomes of the LISS plate for distal femoral fractures: A systematic review

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the literature evaluating the clinical and radiological outcomes following less invasive surgical stabilisation system (LISS) fixation of distal femoral fractures (AO 32/33).

Methods

A review of EMBASE, Medline, CINAHL and AMED from their inception to November 2008, sources of grey literature and a pertinent hand search of specialist orthopaedic journals was undertaken.

Results

Twenty-one studies assessing 663 patients with 694 fractures were reviewed. The findings suggest that the LISS system may be an appropriate fixation method for the management of distal femoral fractures. However, there remains a high incidence of loss of reduction (n = 134; 19%), delayed or non-union (n = 40; 6%) and implant failure (n = 38; 5%). On analysis, such complications were largely confined to articles published before 2005, therefore during the infancy of the widespread clinical application of this trauma system. On critical appraisal, the evidence-base remains limited by recruiting small, under-powered sample sizes and poorly accounting for confounding variables such as osteoporosis, diabetes, multi-trauma and fracture classification.

Conclusion

Further study is required to assess the outcomes of LISS fixation in specific patient populations, and to compare the outcome of this fixation method to condylar plates and intrameduallary devices, to determine the optimal management strategy for this complex patient group.     

Surgical treatment of vertically unstable lateral clavicle fractures (Neer 2b) with locked plate fixation and coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction

Introduction

The present study evaluates the outcome of patients treated with a combination of locked plate fixation and minimal-invasive coracoclavicular (CC) ligament reconstruction for unstable lateral clavicle fractures type IIb according to Neer.

Patients and methods

Fourteen patients with an unstable lateral clavicle fracture were treated with a combination of locked plate fixation and a minimal-invasive CC ligament reconstruction. At a mean follow-up of 38 months, patients were re-evaluated using the Constant-Murley score, the Acromioclavicular (AC) joint instability score and the TAFT score. Furthermore, anterior–posterior (ap) stress radiographs and axillary views were performed in order to detect any recurrent instability.

Results

Bony union was achieved in all cases within 6–10 weeks. The mean Constant-Murley score of the affected shoulder was 93.5 points compared to 97.2 of the contralateral unaffected shoulder. The mean Taft score was 11.2 points and the mean AC joint instability score was 92 points in comparison to 96 points on the unaffected side. The mean CC distance at the time of the injury was 21 mm compared to 8.5 mm after surgery and 12 mm a the final follow-up examination. The CC distance did not differ between the postoperative X-rays and those at the time of follow-up (p = 0.068). Three plates had to be removed because of implant irritation.

Conclusion

A combination of locked plate fixation and CC ligament augmentation in a minimal-invasive manner can be regarded as suitable for the treatment of vertically unstable lateral clavicle fractures and is associated with excellent clinical and radiological outcomes and a low complication rate.     

Use of the AO hook-plate for treatment of unstable fractures of the distal clavicle

Introduction We used a new internal fixative implant, the AO clavicle hook-plate, for treatment of unstable fractures of the distal clavicle. This study describes the operative procedure and the clinical results obtained, as well as discussion of the advantages and problems encountered. Patients and methods Fifteen consecutive patients with unstable fractures of the distal clavicle (Neer type II) were treated using AO clavicle hook-plates. The average age of patients was 47 years and there were 13 males and 2 females. The mean follow-up period was 15.5 months. Plain radiographs of clavicles were used to assess bony union. Functional recovery of the shoulder joint was assessed using the Constant–Murley scoring system. Results All fractures eventually achieved solid bony union within 4 months after surgery. Thirteen patients (87%) showed hook migration into the acromion. Clinical results were excellent with a mean Constant–Murley score of 89 points at final follow-up. Conclusion AO clavicle hook-plates are useful fixative implants for unstable fractures of the distal clavicle. Static fixation was achieved and physiotherapy can be started immediately after surgery. Early removal of the implant is recommended however because hooks inserted under the acromion migrated into the bone in most cases.     

The treatment of distal clavicle fractures with coracoclavicular ligament disruption: a report of 10 cases

OBJECTIVE: Fractures of the distal third of the clavicle with coracoclavicular ligament disruption have been associated with delayed union or nonunion. A combined surgical technique for the fracture fixation and ligament repair for acute fractures was developed. The technique includes K-wire fixation and suture anchor placement with Ethibond suture to the coracoid process. The results of this combined technique were evaluated. DESIGN: Prospective, consecutive case series. SETTING: Surgical treatment was performed at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology. PATIENTS: Ten patients with acute fractures of the distal third of the clavicle were enrolled with a mean follow-up period of 24.1 (range, 12-36) months. INTERVENTION: A single suture anchor was placed on the coracoid process in a vertical position. The Ethibond suture attached to the anchor was used to depress the elevated proximal part of the clavicle by pulling it down to the coracoid process where the anchor was placed. The suture was pulled over the proximal clavicle and tied. The distal fragment was fixed to the proximal clavicle by an intramedullary K-wire. The torn coracoclavicular ligaments were approximated using absorbable suture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The patients were evaluated by the Constant scores and Modified Shoulder Rating Scale. RESULTS: The mean Constant score was 96.6 points in the last follow-up. Nine patients had excellent results, and 1 patient had a good result, using the Modified Shoulder Rating Scale. CONCLUSIONS: This is a reliable technique with encouraging results for treating displaced distal third clavicle fractures with coracoclavicular ligament disruption.     

张力带钢丝内固定及喙锁韧带修复术治疗锁骨外端骨折

目的: 探讨张力带钢丝内固定及喙锁韧带修复术治疗锁骨外端骨折的临床效果。方法: 自 2001年 2月 ~2003年 7月采用张力带钢丝内固定及喙锁韧带修复术治疗锁骨外端骨折 13例。结果: 随访 6个月~1年, 平均 10个月, 术后均达到解剖复位, 骨折愈合良好, 愈合时间 5~8周, 平均 6. 3周。肩关节功能按Neer评定标准 12例为优, 1例术前有肩周炎病史, 结果为满意, 术后肩关节功能基本达到术前水平。结论: 张力带钢丝内固定及喙锁韧带修复术是治疗锁骨外端骨折的一种有效方法。     

Fixation method for treatment of unstable distal clavicle fracture: systematic review and network meta-analysis

Surgical management is recommended for unstable distal clavicle fractures. A variety of methods have been previously reported, but there is no current consensus regarding which method is most suitable. Therefore, we have conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis to compare postoperative shoulder function and complications between different fixation methods to identify which class of fixation is best for unstable distal clavicle fractures. We searched the literature systematically using eligibility criteria of all comparative studies that compared postoperative outcomes of coracoclavicular fixation (tight rope, screw or endobutton), hook plating, plate and screws, tension band wiring and transacromial pinning fixation for unstable distal clavicle fractures from PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases up to February 10, 2018. Two reviewers independently extracted data. A network meta-analysis was applied to combine direct and indirect evidence and to estimate the relative effects of the treatment options. The probability of being the best treatment was estimated using surface under the cumulative ranking curves (SUCRA). Ten comparative studies (n?=?505 patients) with one RCT study (n?=?42) met the inclusion criteria. Intervention included coracoclavicular fixation (n?=?111 patients), hook plating (n?=?300 patients), plate and screws (n?=?41 patients), tension band wiring (n?=?81 patients) and transacromial pinning (n?=?14 patients). A network meta-analysis showed that CM scores of coracoclavicular fixation were significantly higher when compared to hook plate and tension band wiring, with pooled mean of 2.98 (95% CI 0.05–5.91) and 7.11 (95% CI 3.04–11.18). For UCLA, CC fixation and plate and screw fixation had significantly higher scores compared to hook plating fixation with a mean score 2.22 (95% CI 0.44–3.99) and 3.20 (95% CI 0.28–6.12), respectively. In terms of complications, plate and screw fixation had lower risk with RRs of 0.63 (95% CI 0.20–1.98), 0.37 (95% CI 0.19–0.72), 0.11 (95% CI 0.04–0.30) and 0.02 (95% CI 0.002–0.16) when compared to coracoclavicular fixation, hook plating, tension band wiring and transacromial pinning. The SUCRA probabilities of CC fixation were in the first rank with 96.8% for CMS, while plate and screw fixation were in the first rank with 67.7 and 93.8% for UCLA score and complications. We recommend using plate and screw and CC fixation as the first- and second-line treatment of unstable distal clavicle fractures. As the quality of studies for this meta-analysis was not high, larger and higher-quality randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these conclusions for informed clinical decision making.     

Evaluation of a clavicle hook plate for fixation of unstable distal end comminuted clavicle fractures: Seven case reports

We retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of a clavicle hook plate as a fixation device for unstable distal end comminuted clavicle fractures. Seven patients who visited our hospital between March 2004 and January 2009 were included in this study. The patients' age ranged from 26 years to 65 years, and the mean follow-up period was 6.9 months. All fractures were united, and there was no case of delayed union. There were no complications after surgery. At the final follow-up in January 2010, six excellent and one good Constant-Murley scores were noted. We conclude that the use of a hook plate is a reasonable option for fixation of an unstable distal end comminuted clavicle fracture, resulting in a high rate of union and satisfactory functional results.     

Management of acute unstable distal clavicle fracture with a modified coracoclavicular stabilization technique using a bidirectional coracoclavicular loop system

Background

Fracture of the distal clavicle is not uncommon. Despite the vast literature available for the management of this fracture, there is no consensus regarding the gold standard treatment for this fracture.

Purpose

To assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes and complications of acute unstable distal clavicle fracture when treated by a modified coracoclavicular stabilization technique using a bidirectional coracoclavicular loop system.

Methods

Thirty-nine patients (32 males, 7 females) with acute unstable distal clavicle fractures treated by modified coracoclavicular stabilization using the surgical technique of bidirectional coracoclavicular (CC) loops seated behind the coracoacromial (CA) ligament were retrospectively reviewed. Mean follow-up time was 35.7 months (range 24–47 months). The outcomes measured included union rate, union time, CC distances when compared to the patients’ uninjured shoulders, and the Constant and ASES shoulder scores, which were evaluated 6 months after surgery.

Results

All fractures displayed clinical union within 13 weeks postoperatively. The mean union time was 9.2 weeks (range 7–13 weeks). At the time of union, the CC distances on the affected shoulders were on average 0.9 mm (range 0–1.6 mm) longer than the unaffected shoulders. At 6 months after surgery, the Constant and ASES scores were on average 93.4 (72–100) and 91.5 (75–100), respectively. No complications related to the fixation loops, musculocutaneous nerve injuries, or fractures of coracoid or clavicle were recorded. One case of surgical wound dehiscence was observed due to superficial infection. Enlargement of the clavicle drill hole without migration of the buttons was observed in 9 out of 16 cases at a follow-up time of at least 30 months after the original operation.

Conclusions

Modified CC stabilization using bidirectional CC loops seated behind the CA ligament is a simple surgical technique that naturally restores stability to the distal clavicle fracture. It also produces predictable outcomes, a high union rate, good to excellent shoulder function, and a low complication rate. The buttons and suture loops were routinely removed in a second operation in order to prevent late stress fracture of the clavicle.

     

Treatment of unstable distal clavicle fractures using two suture anchors and suture tension bands

Objective

The study presents a surgical technique using two suture anchors combined with two non-absorbable suture tension bands and the clinical and radiological results obtained in patients with acute distal clavicle fractures associated with coracoclavicular ligaments disruption.

Materials and methods

Nineteen patients with distal clavicle fractures were included with a mean follow-up of 25 months. All patients had type IIb fractures according to the Neer classification. Coracoclavicular ligaments were reconstructed using two suture anchors to maintain distal clavicle in an anatomical position, and supplementary interfragmentary fixation was performed using two non-absorbable suture tension bands in figure-of-eight configurations. Functional outcomes were assessed at final follow-up visits using the Constant score.

Results

The numbers of lateral fragments averaged 1.4. Seventeen patients maintained the same vertical coracoclavicular distance between both shoulders. However, in two patients, the coracoclavicular distance of the injured shoulder increased by 50% compared with that of the contralateral shoulder. Fracture union was obtained in 18 patients at a mean 4.8 months postoperatively. One patient had symptomatic nonunion until 9 months postoperatively, and subsequently, distal clavicle resection was performed. Two patients showed delayed union and achieved fracture union at 9 and 10 months postoperatively, respectively. Clavicular erosion was found in two patients. The lateral fragment of one patient united in an upward angulated position caused by over-tightening of the medial clavicle. The average Constant score improved to 94.

Conclusion

Coracoclavicular reconstruction using two suture anchors and supplementary interfragmentary fixation using two non-absorbable suture tension bands for acute distal clavicle fracture are reliable techniques for restoring stability in patients with acute distal clavicle fracture.