OUTCOMES OF DISPLACED MIDCLAVICULAR FRACTURES IN ADULTS TREATED WITH 1/3rd TUBULAR PLATE

Background- Clavicle fractures were traditionally treated nonoperatively, but due to higher rates of delayed union, non-union, symptomatic, malunion cosmetic deformity and other complications there is an increasing trend for operative management. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of displaced midclavicular fractures (DMCFs) in adults treated with 1/3rd tubular plate Materials and methods Prospective study was conducted between 2012 and 2016 in which 32 patients (23 males and 9 females) with mean age of 34.56 years with DMCFs underwent surgical fixation with 1/3rd tubular plate. Evaluation done by constant-murley shoulder outcome and dash scores at 6, 12 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months to determine outcomes. Results All the patients achieved clinical and radiological union at 9.66±1.75weeks. The final Constant and DASH scores were 91.09±4.18 and 6.09±1.17 There were no major complications, only minor complications of superficial infection (n=2, 6.25%) , deep infection (n=1, 3.13 %) ,hypertrophied scarring without pain(n=2, 6.2 % ), limited shoulder motion(n=2, 6.25%), screw loosening causing neither pain nor functional disablility(n=1, 3.13% ), breakage of plate (n=1, 3.13%) Conclusion Clavicle fractures are usually treated conservatively but there are specific indications for which operative treatment is needed. In this study 1/3rd tubular plates were used as it can be contoured to the shape of the clavicle and fixation of DMCFs with 1/3rd tubular plate provides good functional outcome, high union rate, return to work, and results with minimal complications.