Dual plating for bipolar clavicle fractures: A case report

Clavicular fractures are common, accounting for 4% of all adult fractures. However, simultaneous medial and lateral fractures occurring in the same clavicle (the so-called ‘bipolar clavicle fracture’) are rare. Treatment for this type of fracture is not well established. Herein, we report our experience of the operative management of a bipolar clavicle fracture using two anatomical locking plates. The patient was an 82-year-old woman who presented with left-sided clavicle pain after falling to the ground. Plain radiography revealed midshaft and distal clavicular fractures. Open reduction and internal fixation were performed using two different plates, the VA-LCP anterior clavicle plate (DePuy Synthes, West Chester, PA, USA) for the midshaft fracture and the LCP superior anterior clavicle plate with lateral extension (DePuy Synthes) for the distal clavicle fracture. Bony union was achieved 4 months postoperatively without any complications. In conclusion, dual plating is an effective surgical procedure for treating bipolar clavicle fractures.