To evaluate the outcome of management of displaced clavicular fractures using precontoured clavicular plates

1. In the present study, a majority of the patients were in the younger age group with an

overall range of 18-62 years and a mean of 36 years. This pattern was found to be

statistically significant (p < 0.01).

2. Road traffic accidents were observed to be the most common mode of injury.

3. There were 20 cases of Robinson type 2B1, 3 cases of type 2B2 and 4 cases of type

3B1. All the cases were managed using 3.5 mm precontoured clavicular LCPs.

Lateral extension plates were used in three cases where ligamentous instability was

suspected in the lateral third of the clavicle.

4. In the present study, 25 cases achieved radiological union with a mean healing time

of 13.8 weeks. Around 58% of the subjects were smokers. It was observed that

smoking led to a significantly longer mean healing time (110 days) than that of non-

smokers (83 days) with a p-value less than 0.01.

5. Almost 85% of the cases did not have any complications. One patient was operated

on for bilateral clavicle fracture with 3.5 mm precontoured LCP but the patient had

implant failure on both sides and was subsequently lost to follow-up. Out of the

remaining 25 cases, only one had plate irritation while another had a prominent post-

operative scar. Further, it is recommended to use a depth stop to prevent inadvertent

injury to surrounding vital structures.

6. On the assessment of functional outcomes, all the patients had excellent outcomes at

the end of six months. Further, early weight lifting with the affected limb must be

strictly avoided to prevent early fixation failure.

7. It can be concluded that using 3.5 mm precontoured clavicular LCPs is a useful

technique that can give good functional outcomes in displaced clavicular fractures.

However, a large study with a longer follow-up is desirable to conclude it

emphatically.