Dual-Plate Fixation in Treatment of Clavicle Fractures in Dementia Patients: A Case Series

BACKGROUND Clavicle fractures are a common injury, and the standard surgical treatment for displaced shaft fractures is plate fixation using a single superiorly-placed plate. However, the use of this technique in dementia patients poses challenges, including increased risk of postoperative complications such as fixation failure, mal-union, and non-union. CASE REPORT This is a case series of 2 patients who had clavicle shaft fracture with dementia. The first was a 90-year-old woman with right clavicle fracture and vascular dementia. She underwent superior locking compression plate fixation, but the plate was pulled out because of her uncooperativeness. Therefore, we performed dual-plate fixation. She did not immobilize her arm after the surgery, but the plate did not pull out and she was doing well without any problems in daily life. The second patient was a 78-year-old man with advanced dementia who had a displaced midshaft clavicle fracture after a fall. Due to his inability to cooperate and follow postoperative instructions, a decision was made to employ a dual plating technique with plates applied anteriorly and superiorly. At 6-month follow-up, he had satisfactory functional outcomes and radiographic evidence of fracture healing. CONCLUSIONS The use of dual-plate fixation in the treatment of clavicle fractures in dementia patients is a viable option that can lead to successful outcomes and no failure-related implants.