Comparison of the effect of two internal fixation methods for proximal clavicle fractures

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effect of two internal fixation methods in the treatment of proximal clavicle fractures. Methods: Fifty patients with proximal clavicle fractures received surgical treatment. They were divided into a clavicular T-plate group and a double mini-plates group. The duration of the operation, blood loss during the operation, fracture healing time, and incision infection were evaluated between the two groups. Results: Operation time (t=2.063, P=0.058), intraoperative bleeding (t=1.979, P=0.062), and fracture healing time (t=1.082, P=0.066) were not statistically significant in the two groups. The patients were followed up for 12-18 months; one patient in the T-plate group had early removal of nails, but no clinical symptoms. At the 2-month follow-up, the ASES score in the double mini-plates group was significantly better than in the T-plate group (P<0.001); but at the 6-month follow-up, 1-week before removal of internal fixation and the final follow-up, the two groups had no significant differences (P>0.05). Conclusions: Both internal fixations have similar clinical results in the duration of operation, blood loss during the operation, and fracture healing time. The double mini-plates fixation presents advantages by reducing complications and speeding fracture healing; thus it is a more effective method to treat proximal clavicle fractures.