Surgical Treatment of Comminuted Midshaft Clavicle Fracture by Minimally Invasive Technique: Description and Preliminary Results

Abstract

Objective The present paper aimed to evaluate functional and radiographic outcomes from a group of patients with comminuted midshaft clavicle fracture who were surgically treated using a minimally invasive technique and followed-up for a minimum period of 12 months. Methods Longitudinal, observational study with 32 consecutive patients (31 males; mean age, 41 years old) with comminuted midshaft clavicle fracture who were surgically treated using the minimally invasive osteosynthesis technique with a 3.5-mm reconstruction plate in the upper position. Patients were clinically and radiologically evaluated for a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. Results In 30 patients (93.72%), fracture consolidation occurred in an average time of 17 weeks (range, 12 to 24 weeks). The mean follow-up time was 21 months (range, 12 to 45 months). No implant break or pseudoarthrosis were recorded. There was no complaint of paresthesia around the surgical incisions. The surgically-treated shoulder presented lower passive elevation and longer clavicle length (p < 0.05) compared with the contralateral shoulder. Functional evaluation revealed an average Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score of 1.75, which is considered satisfactory. Age > 60 years old had a negative correlation with DASH score (p <0.05). Conclusion The minimally invasive osteosynthesis technique was satisfactory for the treatment of comminuted midshaft clavicle fracture, with a high consolidation rate and a low complication rate.