Open reduction and plating for displaced mid third clavicle fractures – A prospective study

IntroductionDisplaced middle third clavicle fractures were treated conservatively with figure of ‘8’ harness in the past. Current management trend in treating displaced clavicle fractures with internal fixation provide rigid immobilization and pain relief avoiding non-union, shortening and deformity. This study prospectively evaluates the functional outcome of 25 patients with clavicle fractures treated surgically.Materials and methods25 patients with displaced mid third clavicle fractures were included in the study. Open reduction and internal fixation with clavicular locking plate placed superiorly was done. Patients were followed up on 3, 6, 8, and 12 weeks. Functional outcome was assessed using DASH scores and Simple Shoulder Test (SST). Statistical analysis was done using One-way ANOVA.ResultsOut of the 26 clavicles operated (one patient had bilateral fracture), 6 were comminuted (23%) and the rest were 2 part displaced fractures. Interfragmentary screws were used in 3 cases with butterfly fragment. All fractures united (mean = 6.8 weeks). The DASH scores reduced to a significant negligible level by 8 weeks in all but 4 cases with comminution where it took longer than 8 weeks to reach negligible levels. The SST showed significant improvement in all cases by 8 weeks after surgery. All patients were satisfied with the outcome. 84% of patients returned to their work by 6 weeks.ConclusionPrimary plating of displaced mid third clavicle fractures with superiorly placed locking plate avoids complications of non-operative management and leads to early return to pre injury activities.     

Locking plates for displaced fractures of the lateral end of clavicle: Potential pitfalls

Roughly a quarter of all clavicle fractures occur at the lateral end. Displaced fractures of the lateral clavicle have a higher rate of nonunion. The management of fractures of the lateral clavicle remains controversial. Open reduction internal fixation with a superiorly placed locking plate is a recently developed technique. However, there are no randomized controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy of this procedure. We present a series of four cases which highlight the technical drawbacks with this method of fixation for lateral clavicle fractures. Two cases show that failure of the plate to negate the displacing forces at the fracture site can lead to plate pullout. Two cases illustrate an unusual complication of an iatrogenic injury to the acromioclavicular joint capsule which led to joint instability and dislocation. We advise caution in using this method of fixation. Recent studies have described the success of lateral clavicle locking plate fixation augmented with a coracoclavicular sling. This augmentation accounts for the displacing forces at the fracture site. We would recommend that when performing lateral clavicle locking plate fixation, it should be reinforced with a coracoclavicular sling to prevent plate failure by lateral screw pullout.     

Extra-articular locking plate and trans-articular clavicle hook plate for displaced medial clavicle fractures

IntroductionFracture of the medial end of the clavicle is very rare. There is no consensus on the standard surgical strategy for medial clavicle fracture, and treatment is challenging. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of internal plate fixation for displaced medial clavicle fracture.MethodsPatients who underwent internal plating of a displaced medial clavicle fracture were included in this retrospective study. Each patient underwent open reduction and fixation with an internal extra-articular locking plate or trans-articular hook plate based on their fracture type. Postoperative follow-up included radiographs for assessment of bone union, Constant-Murley score for shoulder function, Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire for upper limb function, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Any complications were also recorded.ResultsBetween May 2014 and July 2021, 34 patients (9 females, 25 males; mean age, 50.0 ± 14.8 years) were treated with internal plate fixation and included in this study. The fracture line was located in the medial fifth of the clavicle in 32 patients, and 20 patients had intra-articular fracture. Eighteen patients had the fracture fixed with a locking plate, namely an inverted distal clavicle plate (n = 7), straight locking plate (n = 3), distal fibular plate (n = 3), and T-plate (n = 5); the other 16 patients were treated with a clavicle hook plate. During a mean follow-up of 30.7 ± 26.5 months, 33 patients achieved bone healing, the average Constant-Murley score was 90.9 ± 11.0 points, the mean DASH score was 6.0 ± 6.6 points, and the mean VAS was 0.4 ± 1.1 points. Complications occurred in five patients.ConclusionsBoth locking plates and hook plates are effective in treating displaced medial clavicle fracture. A locking plate is recommended when there is enough bone stock in the medial fragment for stable fixation. A clavicle hook plate is recommended for cases in which the medial clavicle fracture is too small, comminuted, or has signs of sternoclavicular joint instability.     

Treatment of Neer type II fractures of the lateral clavicle using distal radius locking plates combined with TightRope augmentation of the coraco-clavicular ligaments

Introduction

Neer type II lateral clavicle fractures are inherently unstable and debate continues regarding optimal treatment. The purpose of this study was to review the outcome of Neer type II lateral clavicle fractures treated using a novel technique, which incorporates a superiorly placed distal radius locking plate combined with TightRope? fixation to augment the coraco-clavicular ligaments.

Methods

Between 2007 and 2010, a total of 31 Neer type II fractures were managed operatively at our institution. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the SPADI, DASH, Constant, and Taft scores. Subjects were evaluated at 6?weeks, 3, 6?months, and 1?year. For the latest follow-up (mean 38.7?months), all patients were telephoned by an independent research associate and interviewed to establish SPADI and DASH scores. Radiological union was evaluated using standard views including an antero-posterior view, an angled (Zanca) view, and a trans-scapular view.

Results

Bony union was achieved at a mean follow-up of 6.3?±?4.1?weeks. At the 1-year follow-up, the AC joint remained reduced radiologically in all cases. At 1?year, the mean Constant score was 95.6?±?4.82, the DASH score was 3.45?±?3.02, and the SPADI score was 2.58?+?1.94. At the latest follow-up, at a mean of 38.7?+?14.8?months, the DASH score was 0.6?±?2.1 and the SPADI score was 0.6?±?2.

Conclusion

Surgical fixation of Neer type II lateral clavicle fractures using a 2.4-mm distal radius locking plate in combination with TightRope? suture augmentation results in a predictable outcome, preserving excellent shoulder function while maintaining a low complication rate.     

多轴锁定接骨板、重建接骨板、重建带治疗锁骨中段骨折

背景：切开复位接骨板内固定是移位性锁骨中段骨折的常用治疗方法。目前,临床上有多种植入物可供选择。然而,不同的植入物各有其特点,对于哪种植入物更为理想尚无定论。 目的：比较解剖型多轴锁定接骨板、重建接骨板与通用重建带接骨板治疗锁骨中段骨折的疗效。 方法：2009年11月至2012年2月,切开复位内固定治疗锁骨中段骨折91例,男61例,女30例;年龄18~70岁,平均43.5岁。其中解剖型多轴锁定接骨板内固定30例（锁定组）、重建接骨板内固定30例（重建接骨板组）、通用重建带接骨板内固定31例（重建带组）。记录三组手术时间、骨折愈合时间、术后并发症;采用Constant评分评定肩关节功能。 结果：三组患者年龄、性别、优势侧别、损伤机制、骨折类型、受伤至手术时间、随访时间等方面无显著统计学差异（P〉0.05）。所有患者均获得良好骨折复位及内固定。无感染、医源性神经血管及胸膜损伤。锁定组手术时间、软组织激惹发生率低于重建接骨板组及重建带组（〈0.01,〈0.05）,肩关节功能优于重建接骨板及重建带组（〈0.05,〈0.01）;三组患者骨折愈合时间及肥厚性瘢痕形成率无显著差异（P〉0.05）。 结论：解剖型多轴锁定接骨板、重建接骨板、通用重建带接骨板均可用于治疗锁骨中段骨折;应用多轴锁定接骨板手术时间更短,临床效果优良,并发症更少。     

Operative outcome of displaced medial-end clavicle fractures in adults

The results following nonoperative treatment of displaced, medial end clavicle fractures is often unsatisfactory; but no study has yet reported the outcome of operative fixation of these fractures. This study reports the results of open reduction and internal fixation on displaced, medial end clavicle fractures, in five adult patients (aged 25-52 years, mean 43) including 1 patient with a nonunion. The mean follow-up was 3.3 years (8 months-10.3 years). All fractures had united clinically and radiologically. No complications occurred, and no revision surgery was required. VAS pain scores averaged 0.75 (0-2) at rest, 0.75 (0-2) for normal activities, and 1.0 (0-2) for heavy activities. The mean DASH score was 9.0 (0-17), and all patients were very satisfied with the results of surgery (VAS 10). All patients had a full range of motion of their shoulder at final follow-up and were able to return to pre-injury occupational and activity levels.     

Percutaneous K-wire fixation versus palmar plating with locking screws for Colles' fractures

Different methods exist to treat distal radius fractures. A prospective randomized study was conducted to establish whether palmar plate fixation with locking screws gave better results than percutaneous K-wire fixation in patients over 50 years of age. Only fractures with dorsal displacement after a simple fall were included in the study. Twenty wrists were treated with K-wires and 20 with a plate. Radiological parameters were measured on preoperative radiographs and at five weeks postoperatively. Clinical results and DASH scores were determined at three months postoperatively and at more than one year. No significant difference in radial inclination, palmar tilt, clinical outcome and DASH score was found between plating and K-wires, but the mean difference in ulnar variance between pre- and postoperative radiographs was significantly better with plates. It can be concluded that plates were superior to K-wires in restoring ulnar variance, but functional outcome was similar with both techniques.     

Triceps-reflecting anconeus pedicle approach with double precontoured locking plate fixation is efficient in the treatment of orthopaedic trauma association type C distal humerus fracture

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to determine if the triceps-reflecting anconeus pedicle (TRAP) approach combined with the precontoured locking plate can provide acceptable clinical outcomes in the treatment of comminuted distal humerus fracture.MethodsBetween August 2008 and June 2014, 48 patients with Orthopaedic Trauma Association type C (21 with C2, 27 with C3) distal humerus fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation with orthogonal precontoured locking plate fixation using the TRAP approach. Occurrences of bony union, implant failure, posttraumatic arthrosis, and heterotopic ossification were detected with radiography. Clinical assessment included evaluation of range of motion and determination of the pain score, Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) score, and Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score.ResultsThe fractures healed within 3 months in 25 patients (53%) and within 6 months in 23 patients (47%). The 12-month assessment revealed improved elbow movement, with the mean arc of flexion-extension of 121° (range, 100°–140°), mean arc of supination-pronation of 163° (range, 150°–180°), and mean flexion contracture of 8° (range, 0°–30°). The mean MEPI score was 81 and the mean DASH score was 11.7.ConclusionsBy retaining the intact olecranon by the TRAP approach, orthopedic surgeon can get adequate surgical exposure for fracture fixation and can use olecranon as a three-dimensional template to restore the articular fragments. The promising results in this study obtain because that precise identification of the triceps muscle allowed the determination of a proper length-tension relationship for triceps reattachment. The combination of triceps tendon repair and anconeous muscle repair ensured the strength of the extensor mechanism. Therefore, the TRAP approach in combination with the usage of the precontoured locking plate can be recommended as the optimal surgical approach for the treatment of comminuted distal humerus fracture.     

Cho分型对成人锁骨远端骨折手术的指导意义

目的探讨Cho分型对成人不稳定型锁骨远端骨折手术方式的指导意义。 方法回顾性分析2018年6月至2020年7月本院收治的62例成人不稳定型锁骨远端骨折患者资料，男39例、女23例，平均年龄（54.3±14.8）岁。按照Cho分型指导原则，其中17例采用切开复位锁骨钩钢板内固定（A组），24例应用切开复位锁骨远端解剖锁定加压钢板内固定（B组），21例采用有限切开复位带袢钛板内固定（C组）。观察记录并统计分析三组患者的手术时间、术中出血量、术中C臂机透视次数、术后住院时间、出院时患肩疼痛视觉模拟评分（visual analogue scales，VAS）、术后6个月时患肩美国加州大学洛杉矶分校（University of California, Los Angeles，UCLA）肩关节评分分级。 结果62例患者术后获平均23.9个月（9~34个月）随访。三组患者手术时间、术中出血量、术中C臂机透视次数、术后住院时间比较，差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）；出院时A组患肩平均VAS为（5.3±1.4）分，均高于B组（3.3±1.3）分和C组（3.5±1.5）分，差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）；根据肩关节功能UCLA分级，术后6个月时A组肩关节功能分级（优8例、良4例、差5例），均低于B组（优20例、良3例、差1例）和C组（优18例、良1例、差2例），差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论成人锁骨远端骨折Cho分型有助于合理选择手术内固定方式，达到最优化的临床效果。     

Clavicular anatomy and the applicability of precontoured plates

BACKGROUND: Plate fixation of clavicular fractures is technically difficult because of the complex anatomy of the bone, with an S-shaped curvature and a cephalad-to-caudad bow. The purpose of the present study was to characterize variations in clavicular anatomy and to determine the clinical applicability of an anatomic precontoured clavicular plate designed for fracture fixation. METHODS: One hundred pairs of clavicles were analyzed. The location and magnitude of the superior clavicular bow were determined with use of a digitizer and modeling software. Axial radiographs were made of each clavicle and the precontoured Acumed Locking Clavicle Plate, which is designed to be applied superiorly. With use of Adobe Photoshop technology, the plates were freely translated and rotated along each clavicle to determine the quality of fit and the location of the "best fit." RESULTS: The location of the maximum superior bow was lateral, with a mean distance of 37.2 +/- 18.4 mm from the acromial articulation and with a mean magnitude of 5.1 +/- 5.9 mm. There was no significant difference in the location or magnitude of the apex of the bow between specimens from male and female donors. The anatomic precontoured clavicular plate had the best fit in specimens from black male donors and the worst fit in specimens from white female donors, with a poor fit being seen in 38% (nineteen) of the fifty specimensfrom white female donors. The best location for superior plate application was along the medial aspect of the clavicle. CONCLUSIONS: The apex of the superior bow of the clavicle is typically located along the lateral aspect of the bone, whereas the medial aspect of the superior surface of the clavicle remains relatively flat, making it an ideal plating surface. The precontoured anatomic clavicular plate appears to fit the S-shaped curvature on the superior surface of the majority of clavicles in male patients but may not be as conforming in white female patients. While this plate fits in the medial three-fifths of the clavicle, it does not fit as well laterally.     

Winkelstabile, mehrdimensionale Plattenosteosynthese der Klavikulaschaftfraktur

Background

The goal of this consecutive, retrospective clinical follow-up study was to analyse the quality of treatment with a multidimensional, anatomical locking plate osteosynthesis after comminuted clavicle shaft fracture (Robinson 2B).

Patients and methods

Of 38 operated patients, 35 were examined after locking plate osteosynthesis, with a median follow-up of 32 months (11–65). Four patients had suffered a 2B1 Robinson fracture and 31 patients a 2B2 Robinson fracture. The clinical and functional results were determined based on the standard clinical examination of the shoulder, the Constant and DASH scores, an analogue visual scale and a patient survey.

Results

The clinical examination yielded a mean DASH score of 1.25, a mean Constant score of 98 and a mean VAS score on the visual analogue scale of 0.4 (with a range of 0–6). Neither nonunion nor implant failure was observed. We did, however, have one case of infection of the soft tissue.

Conclusion

The treatment of comminuted shaft fractures of the clavicle by means of a multidimensional locking plate is a safe treatment option that includes early functional postoperative care with free range of motion.     

Triangular Fixation Technique for Bicolumn Restoration in Treatment of Distal Humerus Intercondylar Fracture

Background

Distal humerus intercondylar fractures are intra-articular and comminuted fractures involving soft tissue injury. As distal humerus is triangle-shaped, parallel plating coupled with articular fixation would be suitable for bicolumn restoration in treatment of distal humerus intercondylar fracture.

Methods

This study included 38 patients (15 males and 23 females) who underwent olecranon osteotomy, open reduction and internal fixation with the triangle-shaped cannulated screw and parallel locking plates (triangular fixation technique). Functional results were assessed with the visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Mayo elbow performance (MEP) scores and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaires. Anteroposterior and lateral elbow radiographs were assessed for reduction, alignment, fracture union, posttraumatic arthrosis, and heterotopic ossification, and computed tomography (CT) scans were used to obtain more accurate measurements of articular discrepancy.

Results

All fractures healed primarily with no loss of reduction. The mean VAS, MEP, and DASH scores of the affected elbow were not significantly different from those of the unaffected elbow (p = 0.140, p = 0.090, and p = 0.262, respectively). The mean degree of flexion was significantly lower in the affected elbow than in the unaffected elbow, but was still considered as functional (p = 0.001, > 100° in 33 of 38 patients). Two cases of articular step-offs (> 2 mm) were seen on follow-up CT scans, but not significantly higher in the affected elbow than in the unaffected elbow (p = 0.657). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that only Association for Osteosynthesis (AO) type C3 fractures correlated with good/excellent functional outcome (p = 0.012). Complications occurred in 12 of the 38 patients, and the overall reoperation rate for complications was 10.5% (4 of 38 patients).

Conclusions

Triangular fixation technique for bicolumn restoration was an effective and reliable method in treatment of distal humerus intercondylar fracture. This technique maintained articular congruency and restored both medial and lateral columns, resulting in good elbow function.     

锁定加压钢板治疗锁骨远端Neer IIB 型骨折

 目的 探讨采用锁骨远端前外侧锁定加压钢板(locking compression plate, LCP)治疗锁骨远端Neer IIB 型骨折的疗效。方法 回顾性分析2009 年1 月至2010 年10 月采用锁骨远端前外侧LCP治疗11 例Neer IIB 型锁骨远端骨折的资料, 男9 例, 女2 例;年龄23~43 岁, 平均37.2 岁;左侧5例, 右侧6例;损伤至手术时间为24~72 h, 平均48 h。骨折复位后将LCP 置于锁骨远端上方, 首先采用锁定螺钉固定锁骨远端, 可根据骨折的长度选择3~6枚2.5 mm 的锁定螺钉, 然后用3.5 mm锁定螺钉固定骨折近端, 无需修复喙锁韧带。采用美国肩肘外科医师学会(American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, ASES)评分评价术后肩关节功能。结果 11 例患者均获得随访, 随访时间为9~12 个月, 平均10.3 个月。X 线片示锁骨骨折均愈合, 其中10 例在术后6 个月内骨折愈合, 1 例在术后9 个月骨折愈合。11 例患者ASES 评分为84~91 分, 平均89.1 分, 与健侧肩关节的功能评分相近。末次随访时, 无一例发生钢板断裂、钢板周围骨折和肩袖损伤等并发症。结论 采用锁骨远端前外侧LCP治疗Neer IIB 型锁骨远端骨 折可以稳定锁骨远端, 避免骨折不愈合和经肩关节固定锁骨远端的并发症。     

微型锁定钛板治疗不稳定性肩胛骨骨折

目的 探讨微型锁定钛板治疗不稳定性肩胛骨骨折的疗效。方法 选取2018年1月~2020年12月使用微型锁定钛板治疗不稳定性肩胛骨骨折患者21例,分别取Judet入路、肩胛骨外侧缘加辅助入路,骨折复位后使用微型锁定钛板进行固定。结果 21例患者全部完成随访,时间为3~20个月,平均9个月,术后复查X线片结果示复位满意。根据Hardegger功能评定标准,其中优18例,良2例,可1例,优良率达95.2%。结论 对于不稳定性肩胛骨骨折,根据骨折部位选择相应的入路使用微型锁定钛板内固定,辅以早期功能锻炼,疗效良好。     

Operative treatment of geriatric ankle fractures with conventional or locking plates. A retrospective case-control study

BackgroundThe incidence of geriatric ankle fractures continues to rise due to demographic changes. While locking plates have become standard implants for injuries of other body regions, clinical studies on their use for geriatric ankle fractures are rare.MethodsTherefore, a retrospective case-control study, including 333 patients with a mean age of 73.5 years was performed. 263 patients underwent operative fixation with one- third tubular plates and 70 were treated with locking plates. Early outcomes and complication rates of locking plates as compared with conventional one- third tubular plates are described.ResultsIn the present study, patients treated with locking plates were older and suffered from more severe fracture patterns. In addition, these patients had more severe comorbidities. Treatment with conventional or locking plate fixation resulted in a comparable complication and revision rate. A matched pair analysis showed significantly more complications and required revision surgeries and a trend towards more implant failures in the group that underwent conventional plating.ConclusionsTherefore, we conclude that precontoured locking plates represent an appropriate treatment option for severe ankle fractures in patients suffering from relevant co-morbidities. Prospective randomized trials are warranted to prove superiority of locking plates for treatment of geriatric ankle fractures.Level 3: Retrospective case- control study.     

Type C distal radial fractures treated with conventional AO plates: an easy and cost-saving solution in a locking plate era

Purpose

C-type distal radial fractures remain challenging fractures. Currently locking plates are very popular because of their length preserving, stability. A considerable drawback is the high cost. Since 2003 we have been using mini AO plates (2.7 mm) as an alternative. We analysed our results and performed a cost analysis.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was performed of all patients operated upon between 2003 and 2008 for C type distal radius fractures. Reduction was achieved with mini AO plates, applied in a buttress fashion, with ligamentotaxis. Rehabilitation consisted of immediate mobilisation. Pre- and postoperative X-rays, operative results and patient charts were reviewed. Furthermore, we prospectively evaluated the functional results using VAS, DASH and Mayo wrist scores. Lastly, we assessed the implant costs and compared them to locking plates.

Results

Thirty-four patients were treated with a mean age of 49 years. Mean radial shortening improved 2 mm; dorsal and radial angulation improved 23 and 4°, respectively. At consolidation (eight weeks) the average radial shortening was 0.75 mm, a volar angulation of 3°, and 21° of radial angulation. Functional results were excellent, demonstrated by a mean VAS score less than 1, a DASH score of 12 and a Mayo wrist score of 87. Compared to locking plates, there was an overall reduction in material costs of 15,300 Euro.

Conclusions

Our technique has excellent biomechanical stability, enabling immediate functional rehabilitation, good anatomical and functional outcome with significantly lower costs.     

Locked plating in orthopaedic trauma: a clinical update

Locked plating for fracture fixation has enjoyed widespread popularity despite a paucity of published data on outcomes. Anatomically precontoured locked plates that allow fixation in various anatomic regions are widely available. New technologies incorporate subchondral support locking pegs, polyaxial bushings, and locking washers to improve intraoperative versatility. However, limited data are available on the efficacy of these new implants. The clinical performance of locked plates generally has been good. However, several unique complications have been noted, such as difficulty with implant removal, malalignment, fracture distraction, and loss of diaphyseal fixation, especially with percutaneous techniques and unicortical screws. The expense of locked plate constructs is a concern. This technology typically costs three times more than similar unlocked constructs. Locked constructs should be reserved for problematic fractures that have demonstrated poor outcomes with unlocked constructs.     

锁定钢板与钩钢板治疗NeerⅡ型锁骨远端骨折对比

[目的]对比锁骨远端锁定钢板与锁骨钩钢板治疗NeerⅡ型锁骨远端骨折的临床疗效。[方法]回顾2014年9月~2017年8月在本科接受手术治疗的NeerⅡ型锁骨远端骨折患者共46例,根据手术方式不同分为两组,锁定钢板组22例,锁骨钩钢板组24例。比较两组患者在手术时间、术中出血量、手术切口长度、骨折愈合情况、术后疼痛、术后并发症及术后肩关节功能方面的差异。疼痛评估采用视觉模拟评分(VAS),肩关节功能评价使用Con⁃stant-Murley评分和UCLA评分。[结果]两组在手术时间、术中出血量方面比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但锁定钢板组手术切口长度显著短于锁骨钩钢板组(P<0.05)。随访时间至少为12个月。两组患者骨折均完全愈合,且骨折临床愈合时间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后3个月时,锁定钢板组的VAS评分、Constant-Murley评分和UCLA评分均显著优于钩钢板组(P<0.05);但术后6个月时,两组间上述评分的差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。锁定钢板组后期并发症2例,而钩钢板组9例,两组间差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。[结论]与锁骨钩钢板相比,使用锁骨远端锁定钢板治疗NeerⅡ型锁骨远端骨折切口更小,可明显减少术后短期疼痛及术后并发症发生率。     

Flexible intramedullary nailing for stabilization of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures: technique and results in 87 patients

Background Elastic, stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) with titanium nails is a promising minimally treatment for displaced midclavicular fractures, which may be an alternative to plate fixation (ORIF) or even nonoperative treatment. We describe the surgical technique and outcome in 87 patients.

Methods The nail was inserted at the medial inferior end of the clavicle in 83 patients and in the acromial end in 12 patients. An open fracture reduction via an additional small incision was necessary in 53 patients and closed manoeuvre was successful in 42. Implant removal was performed in 82 patients.

Results The functional status of 87 patients after 13 months reached 6.8 (0-43) points on the DASH score and 81 (46-100) points on the self-reported Constant score. The fracture healed in correct anatomical axis in 80 of 87 patients, 2 cases ended in a nonunion. Implant migration of the nail occurred in 4 patients, who required early implant removal. Repeated nailing was necessary in 2 patients in whom the nail missed the lateral medullar canal, and plate fixation was necessary in 2 other patients who had secondary dislocation after early nail removal.

Interpretation Flexible intramedullary nailing, a minimally invasive technique for stabilization of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures, has minor risks and complications.     

Locking plate fixation in distal metaphyseal tibial fractures: series of 79 patients

Open reduction and internal fixation in distal tibial fractures jeopardises fracture fragment vascularity and often results in soft tissue complications. Minimally invasive osteosynthesis, if possible, offers the best possible option as it permits adequate fixation in a biological manner. Seventy-nine consecutive adult patients with distal tibial fractures, including one patient with a bilateral fracture of the distal tibia, treated with locking plates, were retrospectively reviewed. The 4.5-mm limited-contact locking compression plate (LC-LCP) was used in 33 fractures, the metaphyseal LCP in 27 fractures and the distal medial tibial LCP in the remaining 20 fractures. Fibula fixation was performed in the majority of comminuted fractures (n = 41) to maintain the second column of the ankle so as to achieve indirect reduction and to prevent collapse of the fracture. There were two cases of delayed wound breakdown in fractures fixed with the 4.5-mm LC-LCP. Five patients required primary bone grafting and three patients required secondary bone grafting. All cases of delayed union (n = 7) and nonunion (n = 3) were observed in cases where plates were used in bridge mode. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with LCP was observed to be a reliable method of stabilisation for these fractures. Peri-operative docking of fracture ends may be a good option in severely impacted fractures with gap. The precontoured distal medial tibial LCP was observed to be a better tolerated implant in comparison to the 4.5-mm LC-LCP or metaphyseal LCP with respect to complications of soft tissues, bone healing and functional outcome, though its contour needs to be modified.