Surgical treatment for lateral clavicle fractures. A new concept

Abstract

Introduction. The lateral third of the clavicle is the second most affected, after the third fracture means in pathology and treatment of these injuries every day migrates to the surgical treatment in reason that most are with large displacements.Materials and methods: Presents a prospective cohort study, in which 36 patients were operated by side fractures of clavicle in the period between April 2011 to September 2012, by open reduction and internal fixation with anatomical plate blocked with lateral clavicle extension (LCP). Of the thirty-six patients operated, were carried out follow-up complete to applying visual analog scale of pain (VAS) and the Constant functional scale, to the six weeks, three months, six months and one year post-op.Results: Progressive changes in improving pain and function in each of the periods of follow-up from the sixth postoperative week with significant evidence (p<0.001) could be demonstrated and no change in the rating of pain between the sixth month and the year of follow-up (p= 0.083).Discussion: It can be concluded that open reduction and internal fixation of fractures of clavicle with side extension plates, represent an excellent alternative treatment for such injuries, with prompt and complete functional recovery and low probability of complications. [Del Gordo RJ, Acuña J, Torres E. Surgical treatment of lateral clavicle fractures. A new concept. MedUNAB 2015; 17(2):91-98]