Operative Treatment of Clavicle Midshaft Fractures: Comparison between Reconstruction Plate and Reconstruction Locking Compression Plate

BACKGROUND To compare the outcomes of reconstruction plate and reconstruction locking compression plate (LCP) for the treatment of clavicle midshaft fractures. METHODS Forty one patients with a clavicle midshaft fracture were treated by internal fixation with a reconstruction plate (19 patients) or reconstruction LCP (22 patients). The clinical and radiological results were evaluated according to the Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score and plain radiographs. RESULTS The mean time to union was 14.6 weeks in the reconstruction plate group compared to 13.2 weeks in the reconstruction LCP group (p > 0.05). The mean score to Quick DASH was 33.85 points in the reconstruction plate group compared to 34.81 points in the reconstruction LCP group (p > 0.05). The complications in the reconstruction plate were hypertrophic scarring in 2 cases, painful shoulder in 2 cases, limitation of shoulder motion in 2 cases, and screw loosening in 3 cases. In addition, the complications in the reconstruction LCP group was hypertrophic scarring in 4 cases, painful shoulder in 1 case and a limitation of shoulder motion in 1 case (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study showed radiologically and clinically satisfactory results in both groups. Overall, operative treatment with a Reconstruction plate or reconstruction LCP for clavicle shaft fractures can be used to obtain stable fixation.