Coracoclavicular stabilization using a suture button device for Neer type IIB lateral clavicle fractures.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiologic and clinical outcomes of coracoclavicular (CC) stabilization using a suture button device for Neer type IIB lateral clavicle fractures.

Methods: Eighteen consecutive patients with Neer type IIB fractures were treated with CC stabilization using a TightRope device (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA). The mean follow-up period was 46.6 months (range, 24-75 months). Radiologic outcomes were assessed using serial plain radiographs. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analog scale pain score; University of California, Los Angeles score; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score; and subjective shoulder value. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also evaluated.

Results: Of the 18 cases, 17 (94.4%) showed complete bony union. The mean final visual analog scale pain score was 1.1; University of California, Los Angeles score, 31.3; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, 88.6; and subjective shoulder value, 88.5%. Four complications were observed: (1) intraoperative coracoid process fracture, (2) nonunion, (3) delayed union, and (4) shoulder stiffness. The case with a coracoid process fracture during coracoid tunnel generation was converted to the K-wire tension band technique.

Conclusions: CC stabilization using a suture button device for Neer type IIB lateral clavicle fractures yielded satisfactory radiologic and clinical outcomes. The major advantage of this technique is that implant removal is not required.