Evaluation of the Functional Outcomes of Surgical Treatment in Displaced, Closed, and Isolated Distal Clavicle Fractures in Adults (clavicle_fruc)

April 29, 2024 updated by: Tishreen University

Evaluation of the Functional Outcomes of Surgical Treatment in Displaced, Closed, and Isolated Distal Clavicle Fractures in Adults, A Comparative Retrospective Study

Clavicle fractures are common among young people, generally as a consequence of car accidents, bike falls, and contact sports injuries. 15-20% of all clavicle fractures involve the lateral end of the bone. Thus, the distal clavicle fractures, in particular, have a high nonunion rate ranging from 21-33% when treated non-operatively, underscoring the usual advice for operative treatment. While significant research has been conducted on clavicle fractures and their treatment options, no definitive guidelines or optimal approaches have been established. Hence, this study aimed at assessing the clinical and radiological results of the two highly used surgical techniques, the Tension Band Wiring (TBW) and Hook plate ones, in addition to investigating the associated functional recovery and outcomes.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

Clavicle fractures are common among young people, generally as a consequence of car accidents, bike falls, and contact sports injuries. 15-20% of all clavicle fractures involve the lateral end of the bone. Thus, the distal clavicle fractures, in particular, have a high nonunion rate ranging from 21-33% when treated non-operatively, underscoring the usual advice for operative treatment. While significant research has been conducted on clavicle fractures and their treatment options, no definitive guidelines or optimal approaches have been established. Hence, this study aimed to assess the clinical and radiological results of the two highly used surgical techniques, Tension Band Wiring (TBW) and Hook plate ones, in addition to investigating the associated functional recovery and outcomes.

Between August 2019 and 2022, An analytical retrospective comparative study was done on 38 patients (20 TBW and 18 Hook plate) diagnosed with a fracture of the lateral third of clavicle (Neer 2) and followed up for more than 12 months at Tishreen University Hospital, Lattakia, Syria.

This research study included patients who met the following criteria: Patients with unstable distal third clavicle fracture (Neer type 2), aged between 18 and 65 years old. Nevertheless, Patients who had open fractures, pathological fractures, fractures associated with brachial plexus or pulmonary or vascular injury, acromioclavicular joint disruption, and musculoskeletal disease that affects the joint, were excluded.

Preoperative shoulder x-rays in AP with (10-15) ° cephalic tilt (ZANCA View) and axillary view were taken. In addition, Basic lab tests were done for all patients on admission. this study used A.O Hook plate with (4-7) holes, (3.5) mm screws, and (12.15.18) mm of hook depth, 2 Kirschner-wires of (2.0) mm, and a stainless steel wire of (18) gauge in the TBW technique.

Furthermore, Radiological assessment was performed immediately after surgery, followed by evaluations at 3, 6, 12, and 24-week intervals to monitor healing progress and implant positioning. Recorded complications included infection, non-union, mal-union, pin migration, hardware impingement, and stiffness. The outcome was assessed based on union status, time to fracture union, shoulder joint range of motion, ability to perform daily activities and return to pre-injury status

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Actual)

38

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sampling Method

Probability Sample

Study Population

This study is a comparative retrospective study of 38 patients who had unstable distal clavicle fracture (Neer 2) featured in Figure 1. treated either with TBW technique (Figure 3 and 4) or A.O Hook plate fixation (Fugure.2), and presented to the orthopedic department of Tishreen University Hospital, in Lattakia, Syria, between August 30, 2019 and August 30, 2022.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Patients with unstable distal third clavicle fracture (Neer type 2)
  • Patients aged between 18 and 65 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Patient who had open fractures, pathological fractures, fractures associated with brachial plexus or pulmonary or vascular injury, acromioclavicular joint disruption, and musculoskeletal disease that affects the joint

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Intervention / Treatment
Tension Band Wiring (TBW) group
Patients had The fixation method that involved trans-articular fixation through the acromioclavicular joint, supplemented with an additional cerclage wire tension band for enhanced stability. Following surgery, the operated shoulder was supported with a triangular sling for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. Gentle mobilization was permitted once pain subsided, although full range of motion was limited due to pin impingement until implant removal.
The fixation methods were either involved trans-articular fixation through the acromioclavicular joint, supplemented with an additional cerclage wire tension band for enhanced stability. Or, creating a tunnel in the sub-acromial space posterior to the acromioclavicular joint and inserting the hook into this tunnel.
In the Hook plate group
Patients had The fixation method that involved creating a tunnel in the sub-acromial space posterior to the acromioclavicular joint and inserting the hook into this tunnel. If necessary, the plate was contoured to match the clavicle's shape, with careful consideration given to the appropriate depth of the hook. Dynamic compression was utilized to secure the plate in place. Following surgery, the shoulder was supported with a triangular sling for a period ranging from 2 to 4 weeks. Mobilization commenced at the earliest opportunity, typically resulting in full range of motion within three to four weeks. It is worth mentioning that across both groups, heavy manual labor was prohibited until evidence of solid fracture union was observed.
The fixation methods were either involved trans-articular fixation through the acromioclavicular joint, supplemented with an additional cerclage wire tension band for enhanced stability. Or, creating a tunnel in the sub-acromial space posterior to the acromioclavicular joint and inserting the hook into this tunnel.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
The Rate of Wound infection
Time Frame: Estimated time is up to 6 weeks, follow-up visits typically at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks post-surgery.
Wound infection refers to the occurrence of microbial contamination or colonization leading to clinical signs and symptoms of infection at the surgical site. It encompasses various types of infections, including superficial, deep, and organ/space surgical site infections, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria.
Estimated time is up to 6 weeks, follow-up visits typically at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks post-surgery.
The Rate of wire migration
Time Frame: Up to 12 months, Regular monitoring of wire stability and migration during scheduled follow-up visits, typically conducted monthly for the duration of the study.
The rate of wire migration refers to the occurrence of movement or displacement of wires used in surgical procedures, particularly those intended for fixation or support, Wire migration can lead to various complications depending on the location and purpose of the wire, including malpositioning, tissue damage, or loss of efficacy in providing support or stabilization.
Up to 12 months, Regular monitoring of wire stability and migration during scheduled follow-up visits, typically conducted monthly for the duration of the study.
The incidence of sub-acromial impingement
Time Frame: Continued monitoring of shoulder function and pain at intermediate time points during the study, up to 12 months post-treatment,
Sub-acromial impingement syndrome is a common shoulder disorder characterized by compression or irritation of the structures located beneath the acromion, including the rotator cuff tendons and sub-acromial bursa.
Continued monitoring of shoulder function and pain at intermediate time points during the study, up to 12 months post-treatment,
The Rate of Skin erosion
Time Frame: Continued monitoring immediate post-intervention period up to 12 months post operatively.
Skin erosion refers to the gradual wearing away or breakdown of the skin surface, leading to the exposure of underlying tissues.skin erosion may occur as a result of various factors, including the type of medical device or implant used, repeated friction or pressure on the skin, or underlying infection. Monitoring skin erosion is important as it can indicate potential complications related to the intervention, such as device failure, tissue irritation, or infection.
Continued monitoring immediate post-intervention period up to 12 months post operatively.

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

August 1, 2019

Primary Completion (Actual)

August 30, 2022

Study Completion (Actual)

August 30, 2022

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

April 25, 2024

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

April 29, 2024

First Posted (Estimated)

May 2, 2024

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Estimated)

May 2, 2024

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

April 29, 2024

Last Verified

April 1, 2024

More Information

Terms related to this study

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • Tishreen_ Clavical fructures
  • 15 (Tishreen_University)

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

Subscribe