Surgical Treatment of Displaced Midshaft Clavicle Fractures: Precontoured Plates Versus Noncontoured Plates.

Objective: To compare the outcomes and complications of open reduction and internal fixation using precontoured versus noncontoured plates for the treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures.

Methods: Open reduction and internal fixation using was performed on 130 patients with a midshaft clavicle fracture. Precontoured plates were used in 69 cases (group A) and noncontoured plates in 61 cases (group B).

Results: The average follow-up in both groups was approximately 21 months. There was a significant difference between the 2 groups in mean surgery duration and blood loss, although Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Constant-Murley Shoulder scores at final follow-up were similar. Plate removal was required in 44.9% (31 of 69) of the precontoured group and 65.6% (40 of 61) of the noncontoured group. The indication was prominence of the hardware in 27.5% (19 of 69) of the precontoured group and 54.1% (33 of 61) of the noncontoured. In both groups, body mass index was lower in patients requiring implant removal because of hardware prominence. A higher proportion of females in both groups required implant removal.

Conclusions: Precontoured plates are associated with a lower rate of hardware removal. Body mass index and gender may be factors that influence the rate of hardware removal. Methods: Therapeutic IV.