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No link found between implant-related irritation and surgical approach for clavicular plating
Implant-related irritation was not associated with the surgical approach used for clavicular plating, according to study results.
Researchers compared 39 patients who underwent anteroinferior plating for displaced midshaft clavicular fractures to 60 patients treated with superior plate fixation. Researchers reviewed electronic medical records for reports of complications, in particular implant-related irritation and implant removal, during follow-up.
Results showed a statistically significant difference in the mean follow-up time between the anteroinferior and superior groups. Compared with 68% of patients in the superior plating group, researchers found 51% of patients in the anteroinferior plate group complained of implant-related irritation. Researchers also noted the anteroinferior group had higher rates of asymptomatic patients with the plate still in place (46% vs. 22%), while a comparable percentage of patients underwent implant removals due to implant irritation (36% vs. 37%). According to results of a univariate logistic regression analysis, patient age was significantly associated with irritation, and multivariate logistic regression showed patient age younger than 40 years was independently associated with the development of implant-related irritation. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.