• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.37-41
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• 2017

Background: Increased frequency of comminuted clavicle mid-shaft fractures and importance of functional satisfaction through early joint exercise has resulted in higher emphasis on surgical treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical radiological results of treatment of clavicle mid-shaft fractures by open reduction and internal fixation using a plate with a small incision. Methods: The subjects of this study were 80 clavicle mid-shaft fracture cases treated with internal fixation using a plate from October 2010 to July 2014. Clavicle mid-shaft fractures were internally fixated using anatomical plates or locking compression plates. Achievement of bone union, union period, and clavicle length shortening were evaluated radiologically, and clinical assessment was done by using Constant and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) scores. Results: All 80 cases were confirmed to have achieved bone union through radiographs with an average union period of 10.9 weeks (range: 7-18 weeks). The average clavicle length of shortening in the affected side was 1.8 mm (range: 0-17 mm). The average UCLA score and Constant score were 33.6 (range: 25-35) and 92.5 (range: 65-100), respectively. Regarding complications, four cases reported skin irritation by metal plates, and one case reported a screw insertion site fracture due to minor trauma history. Conclusions: We were able to induce successful bone union and obtain clinically satisfactory results in displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle without major complications such as nonunion through treatment of internal fixation using a plate.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.198-202
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• 2020

Simple clavicle fractures can achieve satisfactory results through conservative treatment, and the less frequency of nonunion. Non-union or malunion can occur in displaced clavicle fractures or comminuted shaft fractures. Treatment of displaced comminuted clavicle shaft fractures is performed by holding together the free fragments with interfragmentary screws or wires and fixing them to the clavicle with a plate. Therefore, we performed interfragmentary fixation using open reduction and internal fixation with bioresorbable screws (Mg-Ca alloy, Resomet bioresorbable bone screw; U&I Corp.) and bioresorbable wires (Mg-Ca alloy, Resomet bioresorbable K-wire and pin, U&I Corp.) for displaced comminuted clavicle fractures (Robinson type 2B) and additionally used a metal plate. We expected decreased irritation and infection due to absorption after surgery. We report four cases that were treated in this way.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.189-198
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• 2021

Midshaft clavicle fractures are the most common fracture of the clavicle accounting for 80% of all clavicle fractures. Traditionally, midshaft clavicle fractures are treated with conservative treatment even when prominent displacement is observed; however, recent studies revealed that nonunion or malunion rate may be higher with conservative treatment. Moreover, recent studies have shown better functional results and patient satisfaction with surgical treatment. This review article provides a review of clavicle anatomy, describes the current clavicle fracture classification system, and outlines various treatment options including current surgical options for clavicle fracture in adults.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.19-22
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• 2005

Purpose: The causes of twelve cases of the mid-shaft clavicle nonunion and the results of internal fixation with plate and bone graft were investigated. Materials and method: From August 1997 to March 2003, twelve cases of the mid-shaft clavicle nonunion were operated with internal fixation with plate and bone graft. The duration of follow-up was average 13 months. Results: The causes of the mid-shaft clavicle nonunion included severe associated injury, severe initial displacement of the fracture fragments and insecure fixation. All cases were operated with internal fixation with plate and bone graft. According to the factor for evaluations of results, using a rating scale of excellent (no apparent factors), good (one factor), fair (two factors), poor (more than three factors), the results showed 10 excellent, 1 good and 1 poor. Screw loosening was developed in only one case . Conclusion: The internal fixation with plate and bone graft of the mid-shaft clavicle nonunion after failed conservative treatment achieved excellent results and seemed to be the procedure of choice for mid-shaft clavicle nonunion.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.8-14
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• 2016

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference between two nailing approaches of intramedullary screw fixation, the retrograde nailing versus the anterograde nailing, on the radiological and clinical outcomes in patients with clavicle shaft fractures. Methods: From April 2002 to August 2014, we enrolled a total of 22 patients with clavicle shaft fractures to participate in this study. Twelve patients received retrograde intramedullary nailing and 10 received anterograde nailing. The average duration of follow-up was 12 months. In all the patients, we took follow-up radiographs of the anteroposterior and the axial views to assess the postoperative radiological outcomes. We measured the visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and the range of motion (ROM). Results: Clinically, we did not find a statistically significant difference in the retrograde group and the anterograde group in terms of the duration to bone union, the VAS score the ASES score and the ROMs. Radiologically, we found that the difference in the clavicle shortening of the affected arm and the unaffected arm did not show a statistically significant difference at the immediate postoperative assessment. we found that the difference in the clavicle shortening of the affected arm between the immediate postoperative and the final follow-up value did not show a statistically significant difference. Conclusions: We found that both the retrograde nailing and the anterograde nailing gave a favorable outcome for clavicle shaft fractures. Although we saw evidence of clavicle shortening after intramedullary screw fixation, this was not a factor that influenced clinical outcome.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.44-49
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• 2003

Purpose: Many different operative technique of mid-shaft clavicle fracture have been reported. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the results of anterior or anterior-inferior plating with superior plating on the acute mid-shaft fracture of clavicle Materials and Methods: From February1997 to February 2002, thirty-eight consecutive open reduction and internal fixation with reconstruction plates were performed in thirty-eight patients. from August 1999, anterior or anterior-inferior plating was mainly used, prospectively. The duration of follow-up averaged 17 months (range,23 to 43 months). The mean age was 38 years old (range,21 to 57 years old) on anterior or anterior-inferior plating group and 35 years old (range,24 to 55 years old) on superior plating group. The physician progress note, VAS patient complement score, Roentgenogram and ASES score was evaluated. Results: Four patients were lost to follow-up. There was no statistical difference on mean radiological bone union time （8.7 weeks vs. 8.6 weeks) and ASES score (92 vs 94) at inferior and superior plating groups (P > 0.05). VAS patient complement score was very good or excellent on anterior or anterior-inferior group, average score was 1.1 (ranger,0 to 2) compare with superior plating group (P < 0.05). There were two cases of infection, 1 case of failed fixation on superior plating group and 1 case of delayed union on anterior inferior plating group. Conclusion: Anterior inferior plating on acute clavicle midshaft fracture results in excellent patient complement score compare with conventional superior reconstruction plate.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.7-14
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• 2017

Purpose: To report the clinical results from surgical treatment for clavicle shaft fracture by percutaneous intramedullary fixation with Steinmann pins. Materials and Methods: Between January 2004 and June 2014, the medical records of 135 patients who underwent percutaneous intramedullary fixation with Steinmann pins were reviewed. The mean follow-up periods were 15 months. The functional results were evaluated with The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and Constant score. The clinical results were evaluated with the shortened length of the clavicle, length of surgical wound, operation time and Kang's criteria. Results: The mean bone union period was 11.6 weeks (8-16 weeks). The mean DASH score was 11.8. The mean Constant score was 91.2. The mean shortened length of the clavicle was less than 20 mm. The mean length of surgical wound was 1.2 cm (0.7-1.5 cm). The mean operation time was 18 minutes (10-35 minutes). Using Kang's criteria, 131 out of 135 patients (97.0%) showed good results. Complications included were 3 pin migrations and 2 non-unions. Conclusion: Percutaneous intramedullary fixation with Steinmann pins showed good results for treating clavicle shaft fracture.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.117-122
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• 2012

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of internal fixation using a precontoured locking compression plate for the treatment of the displaced clavicle fracture by analyzing both radiological and clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 34 cases of displaced clavicle shaft fracture treated by internal fixation using precontoured locking compression plates between May 2009 and February 2010. Radiological outcomes were analized on the basis of bone union and the differences between the time for bone union depending on sex and age. Clinical outcomes were analyzed on the basis of quick DASH Scores and the differences in the range of motion of the affected shoulder compared to the contralateral shoulder. Results: In the radiological evaluation, all fractures showed bone union, and the average time for bone union was 12.3 weeks, without delayed unions. Time for bone union did not differ significantly with respect to sex and age (p=0.87). In the clinical evaluation, the average final quick DASH Score was 23.5 (range, 12~42). At final follow up, the range of motion after bone union in the affected shoulder was not significantly different from that of the contralateral shoulder (p=0.69). Conclusion: The internal fixation achieved using precontoured locking compression plate in displaced clavicle shaft fracture showed effective bone union and can be considered as a reliable method with fine clinical results showing early range of motion at the shoulder joint.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.72-79
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• 2021

Background: A midshaft clavicle fracture is a common fracture that typically responds well to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). However, refracture can occur after implant removal (IR). This study aimed to analyze the rate of refracture and related factors after removal of the locking compression plate (LCP) for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 201 patients who had undergone ORIF with LCP for midshaft clavicle fractures after IR after bony union from January 2011 to May 2018 at our institute. We evaluated basic demographic characteristics and radiographic parameters. All patients were treated with an LCP for primary fracture. The patients were divided into two groups: a refracture group that experienced a second fracture within 1 year after IR and a no-fracture group. Results: There were four cases (1.99%) of refracture; three were treated conservatively, while one was treated surgically. All patients achieved bony union. The average interval between refracture and IR was 64 days (range, 6-210 days). There was a significant difference in classification of fractures (AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association [AO/OTA] classification) between the two groups. However, other patient demographics and radiographic measurements between refracture and IR, such as bone diameter, showed no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions: This study showed that one in 50 patients suffered from refracture after removal of the LCP. Thus, if patients desire IR, the surgeon should explain that there is a relatively higher possibility of refracture for cases with simple or segmental fractures than for other types of fracture.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.9-14
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• 2021

Background: Recent studies about completely displaced midshaft clavicle fractures have reported that their nonunion/malunion rates were significantly higher in conservatively treated patients compared to surgically treated patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with treatment decisions for midshaft clavicle fractures and also the factors that affect patient satisfaction with their treatment choice. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 75 patients who had been diagnosed with a midshaft clavicle fracture and were treated conservatively at a single institution between March 1, 2013, and December 31, 2014. Their medical records were reviewed to investigate the severity of the initial vertical displacement. A telephone survey was carried out to identify the presence of any patient-perceived deformity and determine if the patient eventually underwent surgery and whether the patient would prefer surgery if the injury recurred. Results: Significantly more patients with vertical displacement ≥100% (9/28) eventually underwent surgery compared to patients with vertical displacement <100% (3/32, p=0.028). Patients with vertical displacement ≥100% (13/28) were significantly more likely to prefer surgery compared to patients with vertical displacement <100% (7/32, p=0.044). Among the conservatively treated patients, nine of 32 participants with a patient-perceived deformity and one of 16 without a patient-perceived deformity responded that they would prefer to receive surgery in same situation in the future (p=0.079). Conclusions: Patients with a midshaft clavicle fracture with vertical displacement of ≥100% may eventually require surgical treatment. When conservative treatment is carried out, the long-term patient results may be unsatisfactory due to perceived residual deformities.