OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcome of operatively treated unstable displaced diaphyseal clavicle fractures with anterior-inferior 2.7-mm dynamic compression plate (DCP) fixation. DESIGN: Retrospective review of clavicle fractures. SETTING: Level-1 trauma teaching center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: One hundred twenty-nine clavicle fractures. INTERVENTION: An anterior-inferior approach to clavicle fractures was used with the application of a 2.7-mm DCPs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Radiographic assessment of healing and complication rates. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-five fractures healed (97%). Postoperative complications included 1 superficial wound problem, 3 deep wound problems, 5 nonunions, and 4 prominent implants requiring removal in 3. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior-inferior placement of 2.7-mm DCPs seems safe and is associated with minimal complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcome of operatively treated unstable displaced diaphyseal clavicle fractures with anterior-inferior 2.7-mm dynamic compression plate (DCP) fixation. DESIGN: Retrospective review of clavicle fractures. SETTING: Level-1 trauma teaching center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: One hundred twenty-nine clavicle fractures. INTERVENTION: An anterior-inferior approach to clavicle fractures was used with the application of a 2.7-mm DCPs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Radiographic assessment of healing and complication rates. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-five fractures healed (97%). Postoperative complications included 1 superficial wound problem, 3 deep wound problems, 5 nonunions, and 4 prominent implants requiring removal in 3. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior-inferior placement of 2.7-mm DCPs seems safe and is associated with minimal complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.