Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background:Five to ten percent of fractures are clavicle fractures. The present study evaluated outcome of clavicle fractures managed with locking plates. Materials &Methods: 80 cases of clavicle fractures of both genders were selected. A 3.5 mm locking plate with lateral extension was used for open reduction and internal fixation. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure the postoperative discomfort. Using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scoring, the functional outcome was evaluated at the end of the second and sixth month. Results:Out of 70 patients, males were 40 (57.1%) and females were 30 (42.9%). Side involved was right in 28, left in 22 and both in 20. Mode of injury was RTA in 42, fall in 20 and violence in 8 cases. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The mean VAS on day 1stwas 5.8, on day 3rd was 3.0 and on day 10th was 0. DASH at 2 months was 12.1 and at 6 months was 4.9. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Functional outcome was excellent in 52, good in 11 and moderate in 7 cases.The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion:A better outcome was obtained when distal end clavicle fractures were managed with compression plating.