Plating and cortical bone grafting of clavicular nonunions: clinical outcome and its relation to clavicular length restoration

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to evaluate whether plating and cortical bone grafting of shortened clavicular nonunions would restore clavicular length and enable bone healing. The association between the clavicular length difference (CLD) between sides and long-term functional outcome was also explored. METHODS: For this retrospective 2-center study, patients who underwent plate fixation with cortical bone grafting of a clavicular nonunion were assessed after ≥2 years. The CLD and bone union were assessed using radiography and navigation ultrasound. The functional outcome was determined by the Constant score, Simple Shoulder Test score, and Subjective Shoulder Value, as well as local pain (0-10 numeric rating scale). RESULTS: Between 2 and 13 years after surgery, 25 patients (mean age, 53 years; 13 female patients) were examined. The median CLD was 0 mm (range, –17 to 13 mm) on ultrasound measurements and 2 mm (range, –32 to 9 mm) on radiographs. At follow-up, the median Constant score, Simple Shoulder Test score, Subjective Shoulder Value, and pain level were 82 points (range, 38-95 points), 12 points (range, 3-12 points), 95% (range, 60%-100%), and 0 (range, 0-8), respectively. There was no correlation between the CLD and all functional outcome scores. Bone union was achieved in all patients. After plate removal, 4 refractures occurred, 3 of which required revision. CONCLUSIONS: Plate fixation with cortical bone grafting of clavicular nonunions is associated with restoration of clavicular length and a high rate of bone union. There is, however, a considerable risk of refracture following plate removal. There was no association between the CLD and clinical outcome.