Clin Should Elbow.  2016 Sep;19(3):143-148. 10.5397/cise.2016.19.3.143.

Arthroscopic Stabilization for Displaced Lateral Clavicular Fractures: Can It Restore Anatomy?

• Khan PS
• Yoo YS
• Kim BS
• Lee SJ
• Ha JM

• KMID: 2353636
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5397/cise.2016.19.3.143

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The purpose of our study was to evaluate the accuracy of reduction based on postoperative computed tomography (CT) images after arthroscopic stabilization using tightrope system for unstable distal clavicle fracture.
METHODS
Twelve patients with distal clavicle fracture combined with coracoclavicular (CC) ligament injury (type II, V) who received arthroscopically assisted fixation using a flip button device were evaluated for accuracy of reduction using 3-dimensional postoperative CT scan by measuring the degree of distal clavicular angulation and clavicular shortening.
RESULTS
Immediate postoperative plain radiograph confirmed restoration of the CC distance (CCD) in 10 patients. At final follow-up, the CCD remained reduced anatomically on plain radiographs in these patients. All patients showed excessive posterior angulation and shortening compared to the opposite side. The average Constant score recovered to 94.8 at final follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
Indirect reduction and arthroscopic subacromial approach with flip button fixation of unstable distal clavicle fractures demonstrated favorable clinical results despite unavoidable posterior angulation of distal clavicle and shortening the total length of clavicle.

Keyword

Distal clavicle; Indirect fixation; Arthroscopy

MeSH Terms

Arthroscopy
Clavicle
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Ligaments
Tomography, X-Ray Computed