Mechanical failure of plate breakage after open reduction and plate fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle fracture-a possible new risk factor: A case report

Ron Batash, Ronen Debi, Dan Grinberg, Maayan Shema, Avi Elbaz, Yeshaiau Benedict

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Plate breakage is one form of construct failure after a clavicle fracture treated with an open reduction and plate fixation. A recent study evaluated construct failure after an open reduction and plate fixation and reported a construct failure rate of 6.9% of which 1.9% were related to broken plates. Plate breakage is rare, thus, there are insufficient data regarding risk factors, pathogenesis, or how to avoid it. Case presentation: This case report presents an unusual case of a 35-year-old Caucasian man, 7 weeks after open reduction and internal plate fixation of a fracture in the middle third of his clavicle, who developed breakage of the implant. Surgery was advised, the implant was retrieved, the fracture was reduced, and a new bridging locking plate was implanted. Conclusions: In the current case it seems that the use of a bridging plate, the fundamental anatomical structure of the clavicle and the forces that are applied on it, the lack of discipline in complying with the postoperative functional restrictions, and an unclear "patient expectation" process were the main reasons for the failure. These aspects should be carefully considered and addressed in clavicle fractures.

Original languageEnglish
Article number127
JournalJournal of Medical Case Reports
Volume13
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 28 Apr 2019

Keywords

  • Case report
  • Clavicle
  • Failure
  • Open reduction and plate fixation
  • Plate breakage

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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