[Clinical effects of clavicular hook plate for Neer type II fracture of distal clavicle].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical effect of clavicular hook plate in treating Neer type II fracture of distal clavicle.

METHODS: From March 2004 to April 2006, 15 patients suffering from Neer type II fracture of distal clavicle were treated with clavicular hook plate, including 12 males and 3 females with an average age of 39 years (range, 17-69 years). All patients had acute injury, including accident injury (8 cases) and falling injury (7 cases). The results were assessed by the JOA method.

RESULTS: The wounds healed by first intention. No early complications were found. All patients were followed up for an average of 16.4 months (range, 9-34 months). The mean JOA score was 93.1. The mean pain parameter was 28.0, the fuction was 18.8 and the range of motion was 26.3. The X-ray films showed that bony union was obtained in all patients after 3-6 months, and the mean healing period was 3.9 months. No acromioclavicular subluxation and dislocation occurred.

CONCLUSION: The principal advantages of this method are reliable fixation and early rehabilitation. It is necessary to protect rotator cuff and tissues behind acromioclavicular joint and remove the plate as soon as possible after bony union.