• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.202-208
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• 2021

Background: We aimed to assess the effect of plate hook bending in treatment of acromioclavicular (AC) dislocation by analyzing clinical and radiological results according to the angle of the plate hook (APH). Methods: This was a retrospective, observational, case-control study including 76 patients with acute AC joint dislocation that were divided into two groups according to treatment with bent or unbent plate hook. The visual analog scale (VAS), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score, and range of motion (ROM) were evaluated as clinical outcomes. Comparative coracoclavicular distance (CCD) was measured to evaluate radiological outcomes. Results: While the VAS and ASES of the bending group at 4 months after surgery were significantly higher (p=0.021 and p=0.019), the VAS and ASES of the bending group at other periods and ROM of the bending group showed no significant difference. The initial CCD decreased from 183.2%±25.4% to 114.3%±18.9% at the final follow-up in the bending group and decreased from 188.2%±34.4% to 119.1%±16.7% in the non-bending group, with no statistical difference (p=0.613). The changes between the initial and post-metal removal CCD were 60.2%±11.2% and 57.3%±10.4%, respectively, with no statistical difference (p=0.241). The non-bending group showed greater subacromial osteolysis (odds ratio, 3.87). Pearson's coefficients for the correlation between APH and VAS at 4 months after surgery and for that between APH and ASES at 4 months after surgery were 0.74 and -0.63 (p=0.027 and p=0.032), respectively. Conclusions: The APH was associated with improved postoperative pain and clinical outcomes before implant removal and with reduced complications; therefore, plate hook bending is more useful clinically during plate implantation.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.199-201
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• 2021

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.25-32
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• 2016

Background: The goal of this study was to evaluate whether a modified fluoroscopic technique for positioning a hook plate affected the clinical results of treating Neer type II distal clavicle fractures and Rockwood type V acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations with this device. Methods: The study was a retrospective consecutive case series with data analysis. Sixty-four patients with a Neer type II distal clavicle fracture or a Rockwood type V AC joint injury treated between March 2009 and June 2013 were divided into 2 groups: traditional fluoroscopic technique (traditional view, 31 patients) or modified fluoroscopic technique ('hook' view, 33 patients). A visual analogue scale (VAS) score, the modified University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder scale score, and radiographic osteolysis were the main outcome measures. Results: The traditional group included a significantly larger number of patients with acromial osteolysis than the hook view group: 23 patients (74.2%) vs. 11 patients (33.3%), respectively (p=0.01). Before plate removal, the hook group reported less pain and higher UCLA shoulder scale scores than the traditional group: average VAS score, 1.55 vs. 2.26, respectively; average UCLA score, 30.88 vs. 27.06, respectively. However, there was no significant difference after plate removal. Conclusions: The hook view allows more accurate bending of the hook plate around the contour of the acromion, resulting in decreased osteolysis, decreased pain, and better function with the plate in situ.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.21-27
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• 2015

Background: To report the radiological and clinical outcomes of internal fixation using distal clavicle hook plates for distal clavicle fractures. Methods: From April 2008 to December 2012, 32 patients with distal clavicle fractures underwent surgery using an AO hook plate. The reduction was qualified and evaluated according to the radiological findings. The evaluation of the clinical outcomes was performed with the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score, the Korean Shoulder score, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score. Results: By radiological evaluation, we found that 31 of 32 patients showed anatomical reduction and solid bone union. Although we obtained satisfactory UCLA scores, Korean Shoulder Scale scores, and VAS pain scores, 12 cases of complications were present. We found 4 cases of osteolysis of the acromion, 1 case of nonunion, 3 cases of periprosthetic fractures, 3 cases of subacromial pain, and 1 case of skin irritation. We performed re-operations in 2 patients. Conclusions: To avoid complications associated with clavicle hook plates, choosing the appropriate hook size and bending of the hook according to the slope of the acromion undersurface is critical. Also, we believe that early removal of clavicle plates may help reduce complications.