A Rare Complication of Hook Plate Fixation for Lateral Clavicle Fractures: Salvage Management with K-Wire Fixation.

Abstract

Introduction: Hook plate fixation is a widely used technique for managing lateral clavicle fractures, particularly when the coracoclavicular ligaments are disrupted. However, improper placement of the hook plate can result in rare and challenging complications that require innovative management strategies. This report presents a unique case involving such a complication and describes a minimally invasive, single-stage salvage approach using K-wire fixation to effectively address the issue.

Case report: A 45-year-old female presented with pain and restricted shoulder function due to a hook plate positioned incorrectly at the fracture site rather than in the acromioclavicular joint. The mispositioned plate was carefully removed, and the fracture was stabilized using K-wire fixation.

Results: At the 6-month follow-up, the patient had excellent functional recovery with a Constant-Murley score of 89 and complete radiographic union at the fracture site.

Conclusion: This case highlights a rare issue that can occur when a hook plate is not placed correctly. It shows how important it is to position hardware accurately. The case also illustrates how a minimally invasive technique, using K-wire stabilization, can effectively manage these types of complications.