SUMMARY
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effect of two internal fixation methods in the treatment of proximal clavicle fractures.
METHODS
Fifty patients with proximal clavicle fractures received surgical treatment. They were divided into a clavicular T-plate group and a double mini-plates group. The duration of the operation, blood loss during the operation, fracture healing time, and incision infection were evaluated between the two groups.
RESULTS
Operation time (t=2.063, P=0.058), intraoperative bleeding (t=1.979, P=0.062), and fracture healing time (t=1.082, P=0.066) were not statistically significant in the two groups. The patients were followed up for 12-18 months; one patient in the T-plate group had early removal of nails, but no clinical symptoms. At the 2-month follow-up, the ASES score in the double mini-plates group was significantly better than in the T-plate group (P<0.001); but at the 6-month follow-up, 1-week before removal of internal fixation and the final follow-up, the two groups had no significant differences (P>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Both internal fixations have similar clinical results in the duration of operation, blood loss during the operation, and fracture healing time. The double mini-plates fixation presents advantages by reducing complications and speeding fracture healing; thus it is a more effective method to treat proximal clavicle fractures.
Clavicle/injuries; Fracture fixation; Fracture fixation, internal; Orthopedic procedures/methods
