The Comparison of Results of Treatment of Midshaft Clavicle Fracture between Operative Treatment with Plate and Non-Operative Treatment

Document Type : RESEARCH PAPER

Authors

1 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Golestan Hospital, Jonishapur University of MedicalSciences, Ahvaz, Iran.

2 Golestan Hospital, Joundishapour University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

3 Imam Khomeini Hospital, Joundishapour University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

Background:
 Clavicle fractures are common and usually heal without complications. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes of non-operative versus operative management of displaced fractures.  
Methods:
 In a prospective clinical trial study, sixty-five patients with displaced clavicle mid-shaft fractures were nonrandomly divided in two treatment groups. The first group underwent non-operative treatment with figure of 8 bandage (30 patients), and the other underwent operative treatment with plate fixation (35 patients). Figure of 8 bandage and 3.5 millimeter DCP plate with at least six cortical screws were used in non-operative and operative groups respectively. We followed up all patients at weeks 2, 6 and 12, and at month sixth. In addition to clinical examination and x-ray evaluation, we assessed satisfaction, DASH and Constant Shoulder Score for each individual.
Results:
 The average durations of union were 19.3 and 24.4 weeks in operative and non-operative groups respectively (P=0.006). Satisfaction with operative treatment was 74.3% and with non-operative treatment was 66.7%, showing no significant difference (P=0.500). The non-union rate was 5.7% in the operative group and 13.3% in the non-operative group (P=0.518). A significant difference between the two groups in terms of DASH and Constant Shoulder Scores after the six-month follow-up was not found (P=0.352).
Conclusions:
 According to our results, we recommend operative treatment in mid-shaft clavicle fractures only when there is a definitive indication. 

Keywords

References

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The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery
Volume 2, Issue 3 - Serial Number 3
September 2014
Pages 210-214

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History

  • Receive Date: 26 April 2014
  • Revise Date: 28 May 2014
  • Accept Date: 27 August 2014

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