• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.105-115
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• 2016

Purpose: While all midshaft clavicle fractures have traditionally been treated with conservative measures, recent operative treatment of displaced, communited midshaft clavicle fractures has become more common. Though a recent increase in operative treatment for midshaft clavicle fractures, we have done the operative methods in limited cases. The aim of this study is to present indications, operative techniques and outcomes of the experienced cases that have applied to this limited group over the previous 10 years. Methods: This study consists of a retrospective review of radiological and clinical data from January of 2005 to July of 2015. Operative criteria for midshaft clavicle fractures having considerable risk of bone healing process were 4 groups - a floating shoulder, an open fracture, an associated neurovascular injury, and a nonunion case after previous treatment. Results: The study consisted of 18 patients who had operative treatment for midshaft clavicle fractures in adults. The most common surgical indication was a floating shoulder (10 cases, 55.6%), followed by nonunion (5 cases, 27.8%), an associated neurovascular injury (4 cases, 22.2%), and open fracture (3 cases, 16.7%). All cases were treated by open reduction and internal fixation in anterosuperior position with reconstruction plate or locking compression plate. Bone union was achieved in all cases except 1 case which was done bone resection due to infected nonunion. Mean bone union period was 19.5 weeks. There were no postoperative complications, but still sequelae in 4 cases of brachial plexus injury. Conclusion: We have conducted an open reduction and internal fixation by anterosuperior position for midshaft clavicle fractures in very limited surgical indications for last 10 years. Our treatment strategy for midshaft clavicle fractures showed favorable radiological results and low postoperative complications.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.2-7
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• 2016

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes after open reduction and plate fixation of midshaft clavicle fractures between patients who achieved successful anatomical reduction and those who had a remaining fracture gap even after open reduction and plate fixation, and were thus treated with additional demineralized bone matrix (DBM). Methods: This retrospective analysis was conducted on 56 consecutive patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation using a locking compression plate for acute displaced midshaft clavicle fractures, and who underwent radiographic and clinical outcome evaluations at least 6 months postoperatively. The outcomes between those who achieved perfect anatomical reduction without remnant gap (n=32) and those who had a remaining fracture gap even after open reduction and plate fixation treated with additional DBM (n=24) were evaluated. Results: There were no differences in the use of lag screws or wiring and operation time (all p>0.05) between those with and without remnant gap. No difference in the average radiological union time and clinical outcomes (satisfaction and Constant score) was observed between the two groups (all p>0.05). However, significantly faster union time was observed for AO type A fracture compared with other types (p=0.012), and traffic accident showed association with worse clinical outcomes compared with other causes of injury. Conclusions: Surgical outcome of midshaft clavicle fracture was more affected by initial fracture type and event, and re-reduction and re-fixation of the fracture to obtain a perfect anatomical reduction spending time appears to be unnecessary if rigid fixation is achieved.

• 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.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.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.67-71
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• 2024

Clavicle fractures are frequent injuries accounting for approximately 4% of all fractures in adults with about 35% occurring in the shoulder region among which midshaft fractures are the most common (>66%). Nonsurgical management is the treatment of choice for most clavicle fractures; however, poor functional and aesthetic outcomes may result from nonunion, symptomatic malunion, and aesthetic impairment which are the most common complications. A young woman was referred to our clinic for a "Step Deformity" resulting after primary, nonsurgical treatment of a midshaft clavicle fracture. Residual deformity was corrected with a novel simple and little invasive approach. Midshaft clavicle fractures typically only require conservative nonsurgical treatment, nevertheless suboptimal outcomes may occur. Selective osteotomies and fixation are deemed too invasive when only cosmetic impairment of the clavicle contour is present without any functional or sensitive damage and most patients are discouraged from undergoing surgery. Thus far, no specific focus on this topic, nor exploration of possible correction can be found in the published literature. These residual deformities may be very noticeable sometimes and cause psychological distress and social life impairment. Despite no related functional impairment, this deformity should still be addressed, to improve patients' quality of life.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.73-77
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• 2016

Background: The first purpose of this study is to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of surgical treatment for displaced midshaft clavicle fracture (Robinson type 2B1 vs. 2B2) with 3.5-mm low profile clavicular locking compression plate. The second purpose is to evaluate the difference of the results depending on the presence of accompanying injuries. Methods: Forty-nine patients who underwent an operation for the fractures were reviewed retrospectively. Fracture patterns were classified according to group 2B1 and 2B2 using Robinson's classification. For radiological outcome, time to union after operation was evaluated and for clinical outcome, American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score, University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) score, visual analogue scale (VAS), and range of motion (ROM) were evaluated from preoperative period to last follow-up period. Results: The mean time for union was not significantly different in the 2B1 group and 2B2 group (p=0.062). No statistically significant difference in ASES score, UCLA score, and VAS was observed between 2B1 and 2B2 (p=0.619, p=0.896, p=0.856, respectively). In ROM, significant higher mean forward flexion and abduction was observed in 2B2 (p=0.025, p=0.017, respectively) and there was no difference in external rotation and external rotation at shoulder $90^{\circ}$ abduction position (p=0.130, p=0.180, respectively). There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes according to the accompanying injuries. Conclusions: There was no difference in clinical and radiological outcome between Robinson 2B1 and 2B2 type fracture after the operation. Accompanying injuries may not affect the clinical result of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.27-33
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• 2010

Purpose: Most clavicular fractures can be healed by conservative treatment, although there are many factors that influence healing. The aim of the present study was to analyze factors that influence (i) bone union of midshaft fractures of the clavicle treated conservatively and (ii) bone functioning, after union. The long-term goal was to determine which treatments are adequate. Materials and Methods: We evaluated factors that have an effect on bone union and bone function after union. We evaluated age, fracture site, comminution, displacement, shortening and other factors. Among 523 clavicular midshaft fractures that presented between January 2004 and Jun 2009 at our Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, we identified 270 who had conservative treatment and 173 patients who had surgical treatment. Results: The period required for bone union increased with the degree of displacement. For the group below 12 years of age, and the group without comminution, it took half the time to achieve bone union compared with the other groups. Displacement mostly occurred within 2 weeks after conservative treatment. Conclusion: In patients with a comminuted clavicular midshaft fracture, we might, because of expected delays in bone union, delay the start of rehabilitation until patients are more than 13 years old. Because the degree of displacement may be increased within 2 weeks during conservative treatment, we can think about surgical treatments.

• 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.

• 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.