Fixation failure of the clavicular hook plate: a report of three cases

RM Charity, SG Haidar, S Ghosh, AB Tillu
Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, City Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Open reduction and internal fixation for unstable fractures of the lateral end of the clavicle (Neer type II) is not complication-free. Most clavicle fractures can be successfully treated by conservative methods. Neer type II fractures have a reportedly high rate of nonunion, therefore internal fixation is recommended. However, the need for surgical treatment remains controversial as nonunion seldom produces a poor functional outcome. We report 3 cases of fixation failure following treatment with a clavicular hook plate. None of the patients required re-fixation surgery and all achieved bony union with a good functional result.