Functional outcomes of tension band wiring versus hook plating in displaced, closed, and isolated distal clavicle fractures in adults: a comparative retrospective study

Abstract

Introduction: Clavicle fractures are common among young people, generally as a consequence of car accidents, bike falls, and contact sports injuries. 15-20% of all clavicle fractures involve the lateral end of the bone. Thus, the distal clavicle fractures, in particular, have a high non-union rate ranging from 21 to 33% when treated non-operatively, underscoring the usual advice for operative treatment. While significant research has been conducted on clavicle fractures and their treatment options, no definitive guidelines or optimal approaches have been established. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological results of the two highly used surgical techniques, Tension Band Wiring (TBW) and Hook plate ones, in addition to investigating the associated functional recovery and outcomes.

Methods: Between August 2019 and 2022, An analytical retrospective comparative study, was done on 38 patients (20 TBW and 18 Hook plate) diagnosed with unstable fracture of the lateral third of clavicle (Neer 2), aged between 18 and 65 years old, and followed up for more than 12 months.

Results: TBW technique was used in 20 patients (14 males and 6 females) with mean age 39.25 years and Hook plate was used in 18 patients (14 males,4 females) with mean age of 43.11 years. The union rate was 100% in Hook plate group and 95% in TBW group. The mean time of bony union to occur was (9.55) weeks in TBW group and (8.94) weeks in Hook plate group. The mean of constant-Murley score in the last follow-up was 85.32 in the TBW group and 87.38 in the Hook plate group. superficial infection occurred in 3 cases in TBW group (15%). Four patients complained of impingement, three patients complained of acromial erosion and one patient complained of acromial osteolysis in the Hook plate group.

Conclusion: Both TBW and Hook plate are a good choice for the fixation of displaced distal clavicle fractures with good functional and radiological outcomes, where Hook plate have some advantages such as rigid fixation and early motion of the affected shoulder.

Keywords: Hook plate; TBW; distal clavicle fractures; functional outcomes.