Postoperative Results in Patients Undergoing Treatment of Fractures of the Lateral End Clavicle by Hook Plate

Background: Fracture lateral ends of clavicle were vulnerable for instability and remain a challenge for the orthopedic surgeons. The clinical result of fracture fixation of lateral end clavicle using hook plate was described and practiced by any surgeons and seemed to be well accepted by others in terms of fracture union and function. The principal advantages were anatomical reduction of the fracture and early rehabilitation which lead to good shoulder girdle function. Aim of the Study: The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional outcomes of clavicle hook plate fixation for fractures of the lateral clavicle and acromio-clavicular joint disruption; to evaluate the outcomes of managing unstable fractures of the lateral end of the clavicle using a clavicle hook plate. Materials: This study included 31 patients with displaced fractures of the lateral end of the clavicle, all treated with clavicle hook plate fixation. The mean age of the patients was 29.55±3.5 years, with a range from 18 to 55 years. Results: The mean follow-up period was 18 months, with a range of 12 to 20 months. The average fracture healing time was 10.25±1.35 weeks post-operatively. One patient (03.22%) experienced nonunion but had good alignment and remained asymptomatic without functional disability. Another patient (03.22%) developed a superficial wound infection, while a third (03.22%) had impingement, which resolved after plate removal. Additionally, one patient (03.22%) developed acromio-clavicular (AC) joint arthrosis. The mean Constant score for the affected shoulder was 87.95±2.50 points (range, 85–100), while the score for the contralateral shoulder averaged 92.65±20 points (range, 92–100). Plate removal was performed in only three patients-(09.67%). Conclusion: The clavicle hook plate is an effective method for managing lateral end clavicle fractures, providing stable fixation with a low complication rate. Plate removal is not necessary in most cases.