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BACKGROUND: Although various surgical methods are available for unstable distal clavicle fractures, consensus remains lacking on the optimal technique. Therefore, the present retrospective study aimed to compare the clavicle hook plate and Scorpion Plate® in terms of clinical outcomes and radiological findings for unstable distal clavicle fractures. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients with unstable distal clavicle fractures who underwent treatment using a clavicle hook plate (Group H; 28 patients) or Scorpion Plate® (Group S; 29 patients) were included in the present study. No patients received additional augmentation and all were followed-up for >1 year (mean follow-up, 28 months). Clinical outcomes were operation time, bleeding volume, complications, range of motion (ROM) at 6 months after surgery and final follow-up, and clinical scores (Constant-Murley score and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score). Radiological outcomes assessed were coracoclavicular distance (CCD), difference in CCD between affected and non-affected sides (ΔCCD), and acromioclavicular subluxation ratio (%ACS) from plain X-rays. The χ2 test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare each outcome. RESULTS: Complications were seen in 3 shoulders (10.7%) in Group H. ROM was significantly worse in Group H at 6 months postoperatively, but no significant differences between groups were evident at final follow-up. Moreover, no significant differences in clinical outcomes were seen between groups. In terms of radiological results, Group H showed greater improvement in CCD and ΔCCD than Group S. Further, %ACS was significantly worse in Group S. CONCLUSIONS: The clavicle hook plate allows reconstruction of a more anatomical position than the Scorpion Plate®, but carries a greater risk of complications. Conversely, the Scorpion Plate® has a low risk of complications, but acromioclavicular subluxation remains. However, no significant differences in ROM or clinical outcomes were apparent at final follow-up.

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BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment is advised for unstable distal clavicle fractures (UDCFs). Various kinds of internal fixation methods have been used, but the best fixation is still controversial. METHODS: We systematically searched all studies comparing postoperative outcomes of coracoclavicular (CC) reconstruction (TightRope, EndoButton, Mersilene tape, suture anchor or suture), fracture osteosynthesis (clavicular hook plate (HP), locking compression plate (LCP), Kirschner wire and tension band (KWTB), Kirschner wire (KW)), and a combination of the two methods (LCP + CC or KWTB + CC) for UDCF in PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection via Ovid, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and China Biology Medicine (CBM) databases up to September 16, 2021, with no language restrictions. A network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted to integrate direct and indirect evidence and assess the relative effects of the internal fixation methods. The probability of being the best treatment was assessed by the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). RESULTS: A total of 41 studies were included, involving 1969 patients and seven internal fixation methods. The NMA showed that LCP + CC fixation was associated with better efficacy (odds ratio (OR) 0.60, 95% CI 0.19-1.02, probability rank = 0.93) and fewer complications (odds ratio (OR) 0.22, 95% CI 0.09-0.51, probability rank = 0.69) than any other internal fixation method for UDCFs. The SUCRA probabilities of LCP + CC fixation were 98.6% for the Constant-Murley score and 93.9% for total complications. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that LCP + CC appears to be the best internal fixation method for UDCF. Limited to the quality and quantity of the included studies, much larger and higher-quality RCTs are required to confirm these conclusions.

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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.

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BACKGROUND: Fracture of the distal clavicle is not uncommon. Despite the vast literature available for the management of this fracture, there is no consensus regarding the gold standard treatment for this fracture. PURPOSE: To assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes and complications of acute unstable distal clavicle fracture when treated by a modified coracoclavicular stabilization technique using a bidirectional coracoclavicular loop system. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients (32 males, 7 females) with acute unstable distal clavicle fractures treated by modified coracoclavicular stabilization using the surgical technique of bidirectional coracoclavicular (CC) loops seated behind the coracoacromial (CA) ligament were retrospectively reviewed. Mean follow-up time was 35.7 months (range 24-47 months). The outcomes measured included union rate, union time, CC distances when compared to the patients' uninjured shoulders, and the Constant and ASES shoulder scores, which were evaluated 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: All fractures displayed clinical union within 13 weeks postoperatively. The mean union time was 9.2 weeks (range 7-13 weeks). At the time of union, the CC distances on the affected shoulders were on average 0.9 mm (range 0-1.6 mm) longer than the unaffected shoulders. At 6 months after surgery, the Constant and ASES scores were on average 93.4 (72-100) and 91.5 (75-100), respectively. No complications related to the fixation loops, musculocutaneous nerve injuries, or fractures of coracoid or clavicle were recorded. One case of surgical wound dehiscence was observed due to superficial infection. Enlargement of the clavicle drill hole without migration of the buttons was observed in 9 out of 16 cases at a follow-up time of at least 30 months after the original operation. CONCLUSIONS: Modified CC stabilization using bidirectional CC loops seated behind the CA ligament is a simple surgical technique that naturally restores stability to the distal clavicle fracture. It also produces predictable outcomes, a high union rate, good to excellent shoulder function, and a low complication rate. The buttons and suture loops were routinely removed in a second operation in order to prevent late stress fracture of the clavicle.

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BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to report a new surgical technique for the treatment of unstable distal clavicle fracture with modified tension band fixation (MTBF) and coracoclavicular (CC) stabilisation, and evaluate the radiologic and clinical outcome of these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirteen patients who had a fracture of the distal clavicle (Neer classification type IIb) were treated with MTBF and CC stabilisation. After the CC stabilisation was performed with a suture anchor or flip button, internal fixation using MTBF was carried out. Each patient was followed up for a minimum of 12 months and their clinical and radiological results were analysed. RESULTS: The mean period required for fracture union was 12.6 (range, 8-24) weeks and union was successfully completed in all cases. The mean Constant score at the final follow-up was 94.7 (88-100); the modified University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale was 31.3 points (range, 22-35). All patients returned to normal daily activities at an average of 3.7 months postoperatively (range, 3-5 months). One patient had a new fracture around drilled holes for CC stabilisation by inappropriate tunnelling. CONCLUSION: MTBF and CC stabilisation is a useful technique for treating an unstable distal clavicle fracture. This procedure provides minimal incision and stable fixation without causing any further acromioclavicular joint injury to those with distal clavicle fractures.

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PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to introduce a new surgical technique for unstable fracture of the distal clavicle, and to evaluate the clinical results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical results of nineteen patients who underwent surgical treatment for unstable fracture of the distal clavicle, during the period from March 1995 to December 1999, using a modified tension band fixation with follow up over one year were reviewed. Outcome was analyzed in terms of pain, function, radiologic result and union time. RESULTS: All cases showed satisfactory results; eighteen cases (95%) were excellent, and one case (5%) was good. Radiologic union was achieved on average at eight weeks (six-tweleve) after operation. No complications such as pin migration, metal breakage and nonunion were seen. CONCLUSION: Modified tension band fixation for unstable fracture of the distal clavicle was found to be a useful method, which is easy and induces no injury of the acromioclavicular joint, and provides enough stability for postoperative rehabilitation.

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