A novel method of open reduction and internal fixation of a displaced manubrial fracture using distal clavicle locking plates

Abstract

A 52-year-old man sustained a sternal fracture after a blunt traumatic chest injury. He was in severe pain in the intensive care unit, which resulted in difficulty breathing and increased analgesic requirement, and a decision was made to stabilize his manubrial fracture. Orthopaedic and thoracic surgeons jointly performed open reduction and internal fixation of the displaced manubrial fracture using 2 distal clavicle locking plates. This resulted in improvement in patient's pain and helped with his subsequent recovery and discharge from the hospital. This case report describes a new, safe and effective method of treating this uncommon injury.