Minimally-Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis for Clavicle Fractures

Objective To analyze the radiological, clinical, and functional outcomes of clavicle fractures treated with the minimally-invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique. Methods From June 2018 to July 2019, 17 cases of clavicular fractures were managed using the MIPO technique under C-arm fluoroscopy. The functional outcomes were assessed using the Constant-Murley score and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. The clinical results of union, the complications, the operative time, the hospital stay, as well as infection, were analyzed. Results The mean follow-up time was of 10.41 ± 1.75 months (range: 8 to 14 months). There were 11 male and 6 female patients, with a mean age of 39.05 ± 10.76 years (range: 22 to 57 years). All fractures united on the mean time of 15.35 ± 3.08 weeks (range: 12 to 20 weeks). The mean operative time was of 98.11 ± 13.83 minutes (range: 70 to 130 minutes), and the mean length of the hospital stay was of 4.7 ± 1.12 days (range: 3 to 7 days). The mean Constant-Murley score was of 74.82 ± 6.36 in 4 (th) postoperstive month, and of 92.35 ± 5.48 in the 8 (th) postoperative month, which was statistically significant. The mean DASH score was of 9.94 ± 1.55 in the 4 (th) postoperative month, and of 5.29 ± 1.85 in the 8 (th) postoperative month, which was also statistically significant. One patient had superficial skin infection at the site of the incision. Conclusions The MIPO technique is an alternative method for the fixation of clavicle fractures, but it is technically more demanding, and requires well-equipped operating room facilities.