Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Middle-third fractures are the most common clavicle fractures, accounting for approximately 80% of all fractures. Conservative treatment is usually successful with a high union rate of 97%. However, recently displaced and comminuted fractures were found to account for > 90 % of the non-unions. This study was undertaken to evaluate the results of operative plate fixation of these difficult types of fractures. Twenty cases with mid shaft fractures were included in this study. They were 16 male and 4 females; all but one have suffered high energy trauma. Union rate was 100% with mean time to union being 6.6 weeks. Functional assessment was done using the subjective Quick Dash score. The mean score was 15.3 (Range, 2.3-29.5) indicating an excellent functional result. Complications were limited to a single case of superficial infection and symptomatic hardware in 4 patients. In conclusion; Plate fixation of these severe types of clavicular fractures is associated with high union rate and limited complications with an excellent postoperative shoulder function