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Study highlights risk factors for reoperation of midshaft clavicle fractures after plate fixation
Results of this recently published retrospective review show a 38% overall reoperation rate after primary plate fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures and indicate the rate of hardware removal can be decreased with the use of precontoured plates.
Researchers studied data for 235 consecutive patients who underwent primary plate fixation for midshaft clavicle fractures and had a minimum 2-year follow-up. Researchers reviewed charts from hospital health records and recorded any reoperations, as well as investigated the findings for 20 predetermined variables. Radiographs were reviewed in order to confirm that fractures were located in the middle third of the clavicle.
Of the 153 patients with complete 2-year follow-up data, 58 patients needed reoperations. Results showed risk factors significantly associated with implant removal were patient height and the use of non-precontoured plates. Investigators noted illicit drug use, diabetes and previous shoulder surgery were significant risk factors for reoperation due to nonunion, infection and fixation failure. According to the researchers, risk factors that were significant for multiple reoperation were patient age younger than 55 years and alcohol use of more than 15 drinks per week. ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosures: Schemitsch reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.