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Treatment for unstable distal clavicle fractures (Neer 2) with locking T-plate and additional PDS cerclage

  • Shoulder
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Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the current study was to assess the clinical and radiological results after locking T-plate osteosynthesis with coracoclavicular augmentation of unstable and displaced distal clavicle fractures (Neer type 2).

Methods

Thirty patients, treated between January 2007 and January 2010 were followed up after a median follow-up time of 12.2 months (range 4.7–37.2). The Constant and DASH scores were used to evaluate the clinical outcome, and anterior–posterior and 30° cephalic view radiographs were performed to assess the bony healing.

Results

In all patients, the fracture healing was achieved within the first 10 weeks after surgery. All patients regained good or excellent shoulder function and returned to previous occupation and activity levels. The mean Constant and DASH scores were 92.3 points and 6.2 points, respectively. We did not observe any severe intra- or post-operative complication within the time of follow-up.

Conclusion

The presented technique turned out to be a reliable method providing good results without showing severe complications.

Level of evidence

Case series, Level IV.

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Acknowledgments

Neither the author nor the co-authors have to declare any conflicts of interest.

Ethics standard

IRB approval No. 5067/11 (ethics commission University Clinic rechts der Isar, Munich).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinic for Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany

    Frank Martetschläger, Tobias M. Kraus, Clara Sophie Schiele, Gunther Sandmann, Sebastian Siebenlist, Karl F. Braun & Markus Neumaier

  2. The Steadman Clinic, Steadman Philippon Research Institute, 181 West Maedow Drive, 81657, Vail, CO, USA

    Frank Martetschläger

  3. BG Trauma Clinic Tübingen, University Hospital Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstrasse 95, 72076, Tübingen, Germany

    Ulrich Stöckle & Thomas Freude

Authors
  1. Frank Martetschläger
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  2. Tobias M. Kraus
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  3. Clara Sophie Schiele
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  4. Gunther Sandmann
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Frank Martetschläger.

Additional information

Frank Martetschläger and Tobias M. Kraus have contributed equally to this article.

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Martetschläger, F., Kraus, T.M., Schiele, C.S. et al. Treatment for unstable distal clavicle fractures (Neer 2) with locking T-plate and additional PDS cerclage. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 21, 1189–1194 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-012-2089-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-012-2089-0

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