Clinical Outcome after Clavicular Hook Plate Fixation for Displaced Medial-End Clavicle Fractures.

Background: Surgery of the medial end of the clavicle remains a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. Moreover, there is no standard surgical procedure for treating displaced fractures or dislocation of the medial clavicle. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of using a hook plate for treating medial-end clavicular fractures and present functional outcomes.

Methods: We retrospectively investigated 18 patients who underwent surgery with a hook plate from July 2016 to December 2021. There were 14 men and 4 women with a mean age of 57.4 years. Fracture union was assessed at follow-up by computed tomography (CT). Other outcome parameters were complications, including implant failure, infection, nonunion, osteolysis of sternal manubrium, and migration of the hook portion. Range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick DASH), and American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) scores were evaluated 6 months postoperatively and at the last follow-up.

Results: The mean operation time was 43.8 minutes (range, 35-50 minutes) and the mean follow-up was 22.8 months (range, 12-42 months). Bone union was confirmed in all cases. The mean union time was 6.2 months (range, 6-7 months). Implant removal was performed routinely according to the clinical course in 17 cases. The mean implant removal time was 10.0 months (range, 6-14 months). Clinical and functional outcomes measured at the last follow-up were significantly improved compared to those at 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). Regarding complications, there were 6 cases (33.3%) of osteolysis of the sternal manubrium. Although the anteroposterior length of the manubrium and hook depth showed significant differences between the non-osteolysis group and the osteolysis group (p = 0.024), ROM, VAS, Quick DASH, and ASES scores were not significantly different between the two groups (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions: Clavicle hook plating can be a safe and effective method that can be easily applied with good outcomes if it is used with appropriate surgical planning and technique for medial-end clavicle fracture. CT scans are useful for preoperative planning and postoperative evaluation of bone union or complications.