Comparative analysis of locking plates versus hook plates in the treatment of Neer type II distal clavicle fractures

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to compare the clinical effects of locking plates (LPs) with those of hook plates (HPs) in the treatment of Neer type II distal clavicle fractures. METHODS: From August 2014 to April 2018, 64 patients with Neer type II distal clavicle fractures were treated in our department. The clinical effects were assessed with respect to the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, fracture healing, postoperative pain, postoperative complications, and postoperative shoulder joint function. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the healing time, operation time, or intraoperative blood loss between the LP and HP groups. The incision length was significantly shorter in the LP than HP group, and the postoperative complication rate was significantly lower in the LP than HP group. The visual analog scale score, Constant–Murley score, and University of California Los Angeles score were significantly better in the LP than HP group. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with HPs, the use of LPs involves a smaller incision in the treatment of Neer type II distal clavicle fractures and significantly reduces postoperative pain and complications. Therefore, priority can be given to the use of LPs in the treatment of Neer type II distal clavicle fractures.