Functional Outcomes and Complications of Plate Fixation in Displaced Midshaft Clavicle Fractures: A Retrospective Study

Background: Clavicle fractures, especially those occurring in the midshaft region, are frequent and present significant treatment challenges. Displaced midshaft clavicle fractures can lead to non-union and poor functional outcomes if managed non-surgically. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate functional outcomes and complications associated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plates for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. By examining patient satisfaction, fracture healing rates, and the incidence of complications such as symptomatic hardware requiring reoperation, this study seeks to provide valuable insights to enhance clinical decision-making and optimize patient care in cases of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was carried out on 30 patients who had undergone surgery open reduction and internal fixation with a plate for displaced mid-shaft clavicle fracture at the Department of Orthopaedics, Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, Darbhanga, Bihar (India). This study was conducted using the hospital database to study patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a plate for a displaced mid-shaft clavicle fracture. The main objective of the study was to determine the rate of successful union of the affected area. The secondary outcome variables included functional outcome as assessed by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, patient satisfaction with treatment and cosmetic appearance, pain levels, complications, and reoperations. All chosen patients were instructed to visit the outpatient department (OPD) for evaluation of patient-centered functional outcome measures. Statistical analysis was conducted by GraphPad version 8.4.3. Results: In this cohort of thirty patients with midshaft clavicle fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation, 75% were male and 25% were female, with an average age of 35.65 years. High-energy trauma was the most common cause of injury, accounting for 73.33% of cases. According to the Robinson classification, 40% of fractures were type 2B1, and 60% were type 2B2. The 3.5 mm pre-contoured locking plate was the most frequently used implant (46.67%). All patients achieved fracture union, with an average union time of 8.1 weeks. Mechanical failure of the implant occurred in 6.66% of patients, leading to reoperations and successful subsequent union between 18-20 weeks. Twenty