Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: The clavicle or collarbone is a long bone that serves as a strut between the shoulder blade and the sternum or breast bone. In the younger age group, apart from isolated clavicle fractures poly-traumatic injuries are also very common, and clavicular mid-shaft fracture remains a frequent entity. In such situations, the choice of treatment remains a constant dilemma for achieving maximum pre-fracture functional status. Aim of the study: To assess and compare the functional outcome between plating and conservative management of middle third clavicle fractures. Materials and methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted with 70 patients to analyse and compare the functional outcome of patients with midshaft clavicle fractures, treated with locking plate and conservatively. The patients were divided in the following two groups of 35 patients each: Group A patients were treated surgically and Group Bpatients were treated conservatively. Results: During 1month follow-up period, 29 (82.9%) and 5 (14.3%) patients in Group A and Group B respectively had excellent score while 2 (5.7%) and 7 (20%) patients respectively had good score. Moderate score was observed in 2 (5.7%) and 9 (25.7%) patients of Group A and Group B respectively whereas poor score was observed in 2 (5.7%) and 11 (31.4%) patients respectively. There was significant difference between the groups as per Chi-Square test (p<0.05). During 3 months follow-up period, 31 (88.6%) and 8 (22.9%) patients in Group A and Group B respectively had excellent score while 2 (5.7%) and 13 (37.1%) patients respectively had good score. Conclusion: Clavicle fractures are usually treated conservatively, but there are specific indications for which operative treatment is needed such as comminuted and displaced middle third clavicle fractures. It was observed that fresh middle third clavicle fractures provides a more rigid fixation and yielded better functional outcome and resulted in high union rates. As plate fixation provides rotational stability, there is no need of immobilization for long periods.
Keywords: Clavicle fracture, conservative treatment, plate fixation, fracture.

Received: 16 March, 2019                                         Revised:  10 July 2019                              Accepted: 12 July 2019

Corresponding Author: Dr. Ghansham A. Pol, Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, RCSM Govt. Medical College & CPR Hospital, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India;
               
This article may be cited as: Pol GA, Bakare SV. Comparative analysis of the functional outcome between plating and conservative management of middle third clavicle fractures. J Adv Med Dent Scie Res 2019;7(8): 20-26.