Article viewed 840 times

03 Apr 2024
Add to Bookmarks


 

Bipolar Clavicle Fracture with Medial Multifragmentary Displacement


Score and Comment on this Case

Select a Score out of 10, and add a comment in the field below

Respectfully consider international variabilty in surgical technique and implants when commenting.
Protected by reCAPTCHA - Privacy and Terms


Clinical Details

Clinical and radiological findings:  A 65-year-old female presented after sustaining a moderate energy, awkward mechanism injury with direct impact to the right clavicle, resulting in a bipolar clavicle fracture. The lateral fracture was minimally displaced, classified as Neer type 1, while the medial clavicle fracture was grossly displaced and multifragmentary. The medial diaphysis was notably buried in the pectoralis muscle, with vascular structures closely associated with the medial fragment and fracture zone.

Preoperative Plan

Planning remarks:  The preoperative plan involved an open reduction and internal fixation, with a focus on carefully managing the proximity of vascular structures to the medial fracture zone. A direct approach over the medial clavicle was planned for surgical access.

Surgical Discussion

Patient positioning:  The patient was positioned supine, avoiding a beach chair or upright torso position due to concerns regarding potential air embolism risks.

Anatomical surgical approach:  A direct surgical approach was executed over the medial clavicle, incising the fascia overlying the clavicle and subperiosteal release of the pectoralis major and sternocleidomastoid muscles. Dissection was extended medially to the sternoclavicular joint, identifying the vertical fibers of the distal sternocleidomastoid for careful mobilization of the fracture fragments.

Operative remarks: 

During surgery, careful mobilization of the fracture facilitated reduction without undue tension on surrounding soft tissues. Although some residual impaction was noted upon reduction, it was deemed clinically irrelevant. A medial clavicle plate from Synthes was placed under fluoroscopic guidance, with monocortical fixation using 2.7mm screws medially to prevent posterior perforation, and bicortical diaphyseal screw placement laterally, again utilising careful drilling technique to avoid far cortex perforation.

Postoperative protocol:   Postoperative management included symptomatic immobilization in a shoulder sling, with non-weight bearing range of motion exercises up to 90 degrees of flexion/abduction encouraged for up to 6 weeks.

Follow up:   Not specified

Orthopaedic implants used:   2.7mm medial clavicle plate from Synthes

Search for Related Literature

Powered by OrthoSearch - The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery

User Discussion (1)

#
Juan Varela

Great case So unusual




#

Dr Ed Oates

  • Germany , Schleswig Holstein
  • Area of Specialty - General Trauma
  • Position - Specialist Consultant
#
Industry Sponsership

contact us for advertising opportunities


Peer Review Score

Average Score based on 1 reviews