RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment is indicated for the management of Neer type IIB fractures of the distal third of the clavicle. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological outcomes, in cases of unstable distal third clavicle fractures managed by means of an arthroscopy-assisted conoid ligament reconstruction and fracture cerclage with sutures. METHODS: Nine patients with unstable distal third clavicle fractures (Neer type IIB) managed arthroscopically by means of a conoid ligament reconstruction and fracture cerclage with sutures, between 2008 and 2012, were included. The QoL was evaluated at the last follow-up visit, by means of the Health Survey questionnaire (SF36), the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, the constant score, and a Global Satisfaction scale (from 0 to 10). The mean time from fracture fixation until radiological union, the development of hardware loosening, nonunion, infections, and hardware skin discomfort were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age was 36 [21-48] years old. The mean [range] time from surgery until the last follow-up visit was 49 [46-52] months. Values of the questionnaires assessed at the last follow-up visit were: (1) physical SF36 score (50.72 ± 6.88); (2) mental SF36 score (50.92 ± 11.65); (3) VAS for pain (1.86 ± 1.35); (4) DASH questionnaire (11.97 ± 7.03); (5) constant score (89.67 ± 8.55), and (6) Global Satisfaction (8.17 ± 0.98). The mean time elapsed from fracture fixation to radiological union was 8.41 ± 3.26 months. Hardware loosening was observed in none of the patients. Nonunion was observed in 11.11% (1/9) of the patients. Hardware skin discomfort was observed in 11.11% (1/9) of the patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with unstable distal third clavicle fractures managed by means of an arthroscopy-assisted conoid ligament reconstruction and fracture cerclage with sutures may have good clinical and radiological outcomes, with no need for a second surgical procedure to remove any metal hardware. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic; case series, Level IV.
Asunto(s)
Clavícula/lesiones , Clavícula/cirugía , Fijación Interna de Fracturas/métodos , Fracturas Óseas/cirugía , Ligamentos Articulares/cirugía , Técnicas de Sutura , Adulto , Artroscopía , Clavícula/diagnóstico por imagen , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Curación de Fractura , Fracturas Óseas/complicaciones , Fracturas Óseas/diagnóstico por imagen , Fracturas Óseas/rehabilitación , Fracturas no Consolidadas/diagnóstico por imagen , Fracturas no Consolidadas/etiología , Humanos , Fijadores Internos/efectos adversos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Dolor Musculoesquelético/etiología , Dimensión del Dolor , Calidad de Vida , Radiografía , Estudios Retrospectivos , Factores de Tiempo , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to describe the outcomes of using a triple button device for the treatment of displaced distal-third clavicle fractures (Neer, type ii-b). MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective review was conducted on a series of patients between November 2011 and December 2014. Fourteen patients initially met the inclusion criteria, but 2 were excluded, leaving 12 patients (83.3% male; mean age 32.2 years) for the final analysis at a mean follow-up of 26±11.24 months (range, 12-48). Post-operative follow-up was performed at 2 weeks (two first months), and monthly thereafter, until was achieving clinically and radiological healing. The functional outcome was evaluated using the Constant score, and DASH score in the last follow-up. RESULTS: The mean Constant Score was 95.5±5.2 points (range, 85-100), with a mean DASH score of 3.3±4.4 points (range, 0-12.5). The mean time to clinical healing was10.3±3.1 weeks (range, 8-16), and the mean time to radiological healing was 13.6±2.6 weeks (range, 12-20). There were no major complications. There were 5 minor complications without clinical impact: 2 coracoclavicular calcifications, 1 hypertrophic scar, 1 patient with discomfort due to the device, and 1 superficial wound infection. All patients returned their previous activity. CONCLUSION: Good clinical results can be achieved with the triple button device in unstable distal fractures of the clavicle, without the need to remove the hardware.