Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Clavicle fractures comprise five to ten percent of all fractures. Approximately 75 % of these fractures are located in the middle third of the clavicle, with the majority of fractures being displaced. The present study was conducted to assess outcome of clavicle fractures managed with locking plates. Materials & Methods: 110 patients (males- 60, females- 50) with clavicle fractures were managed with open reduction and internal fixation was done using a 3.5 mm locking plate with lateral extension. The postoperative pain was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) on postoperative days 1, 3 and 10. The functional outcome was assessed at the end of 2nd and 6th months with the help of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scoring. Results: Mode of injury was RTA in 65, fall in 30 and violence in 15. Side involved was right in 48, left in 52 and both in 10. The mean operative time was 54.2 minutes. The mean VAS on day1st was 5.3, on day 3rd was 3.1 and on day 10th was 0. DASH at 2 months was 12.4 and at 6 months was 4.6. Functional outcome was excellent in 40, good in 50 and moderate in 20 cases. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Distal end clavicle fractures were well managed with compression plating.