Comparison of Locking Compression Plate Superior Anterior Clavicle Plate with Suture Augmentation and Hook Plate for Treatment of Distal Clavicle Fractures

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the results (or effectiveness) of anterior superior locking compression plate (LCP) with suture augmentation and hook plate in treatment of Neer type II distal clavicle fracture. Methods: From April 2009 to October 2015, 34 patients with distal clavicle fracture of Neer type II were surgically treated. Eleven patients were operated with LCP-suture augmentation (group I) and 23 patients underwent by hook plate (group II). Radiographic evaluation and functional evaluation using Korean Shoulder Society (KSS) scoring system were performed. Results: Radiographic unions were achieved in all cases and mean radiographic union period was not different either as 4.1 months (range 3-14 months), 5.0 months (range 3-14 months) in group I and 3.7 months (range 3-11 months) in group II. However, KSS score was 87.6 (range 82-92) in group I, and was 63.4 (range 32-86) in group II (p<0.05). One case of osteolysis and no case of frozen shoulder were found in group I while 6 cases of osteolysis and 3 cases of frozen shoulder were found in group II. Conclusion: LCP-suture augmentation is considered a more effective method, compared to hook plate osteosynthesis for distal clavicle fracture of Neer type II, producing better clinical outcomes and lower incidence of complications.