Surgical Treatment of Displaced Midshaft Clavicle Fractures: Precontoured Plates Versus Noncontoured Plates

Purpose To compare the outcomes and complications of open reduction and internal fixation using precontoured versus noncontoured plates for the treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures. Methods Open reduction and internal fixation using was performed on 130 patients with a midshaft clavicle fracture. Precontoured plates were used in 69 cases (group A) and noncontoured plates in 61 cases (group B). Results The average follow-up in both groups was approximately 21 months. There was a significant difference between the 2 groups in mean surgery duration and blood loss, although Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Constant-Murley Shoulder scores at final follow-up were similar. Plate removal was required in 44.9% (31 of 69) of the precontoured group and 65.6% (40 of 61) of the noncontoured group. The indication was prominence of the hardware in 27.5% (19 of 69) of the precontoured group and 54.1% (33 of 61) of the noncontoured. In both groups, body mass index was lower in patients requiring implant removal because of hardware prominence. A higher proportion of females in both groups required implant removal. Conclusions Precontoured plates are associated with a lower rate of hardware removal. Body mass index and gender may be factors that influence the rate of hardware removal. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.