Journal of Trauma & Treatment

Clinical Outcome Following Treatment with Clavicular Hook Plate

Abstract

C R Varrall

Hook plates are used to treat acromio-clavicular joint dislocations and lateral clavicle fractures. Our study looked at patient outcome following treatment with a Synthes clavicular hook plate.
Method: Medical notes review and telephone interview of patients treated with a clavicular hook plate between 2003 and 2009 at Airedale General Hospital. Modified constant score calculated looking at pain, range of movement, power and functional level, and general comments recorded.
Results: Total of fifteen patients treated with hook plates, unable to contact two patients, three notes unavailable. Of remaining ten patients (M:F; 7:3), six were for lateral clavicle fractures, three for ACJ dislocation and one not recorded. One plate was still in situ. Follow up after plate removal ranged from 0-79 months, mean 22 months. Only complication was a fatigue fracture next to the plate prior to removal. Modified constant score, out of 80, had a mean of 78 (range 25-80). Patients reported problems with pain and reduced range of movement whilst the hook plate was in situ, with some pain remaining after removal, particularly affecting their sleep.
Conclusion: It is previously documented that hook plates are an effective way of treating ACJ dislocations and lateral clavicle fractures, however patients should be appropriately counselled of the likely  is comfort whilst in situ which occasionally persists after removal.