The Radiologic Comparison of Operative Treatment Using a Hook Plate versus a Distal Clavicle Locking Plate of Distal Clavicle Fracture

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the radiologic results of patients who underwent surgery with a hook plate and a locking plate in distal clavicle fractures. METHODS: Sixty patients underwent surgical treatment for Neer type IIa, IIb, III, and V distal clavicle fracture. Twenty-eight patients underwent fracture fixation with a hook plate and 32 with a locking plate. Coracoclavicular distance was measured on standard anteroposterior radiographs before and after the surgery, and union was confirmed by radiograph or computed tomography taken at 6 months postoperatively. Other radiologic complications like osteolysis was also checked. RESULTS: Bony union was confirmed in 59 patients out of 60 patients, and 1 patient in the hook plate group showed delayed union. Coracoclavicular distance was decreased more in the hook plate group after surgery (p<0.01). After 6 weeks of the hook plate removal, the coracoclavicular distance was increased a little compared to before metal removal, but there was no difference compared to the contralateral shoulder. Eleven out of 28 patients (39.3%) showed osteolysis on the acromial undersurface in the hook plate group. CONCLUSIONS: Both the hook plate group and the locking plate group showed satisfactory radiologic results in distal clavicle fractures. Both hook plate and locking plate could be a good treatment option if it is used in proper indication in distal clavicle fracture with acromioclavicular subluxation or dislocation.