In this recent report, researchers in Barcelona, Spain conducted a study "To evaluate functional and radiologic outcome in patients with a Neer type II lateral clavicle fracture treated with the clavicle hook plate. Multicenter retrospective study Setting: Five level I and II trauma centers."

"Forty-four patients, average age 38.4 years (18-66 years), with a Neer type II lateral clavicle fracture treated with the clavicle hook plate between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2006. Open reduction and internal fixation with the clavicle hook plate. Removal of all 44 implants after consolidation at a mean of 8.4 months (2-33 months) postoperatively Main Outcome Measurements: At an average follow-up of 27.4 months (13-48 months), functional outcome was assessed with the Constant-Murley scoring system. Radiographs were taken to evaluate consolidation and to determine the distance between the coracoid process and the clavicle. The average Constant score was 92.4 (74-100). The average distance between the coracoid process and the clavicle was 9.8 mm (7.3-14.8 mm) compared with 9.4 mm (6.9-14.3 mm) on the contralateral nonoperative side. We observed I dislocation of an implant (2.2%), 2 cases of pseudarthrosis (4.5%), 2 superficial wound infections (4.5%), 2 patients with hypertrophic scar tissue (4.5%), and 3 times an acromial osteolysis (6.80%). Thirty patients (68%) reported discomfort due to the implant. These implant-related complaints and the acromial osteolysis disappeared after removal of the hook plate. With all the patients, direct functional aftercare was possible. The clavicle hook plate is a suitable implant for Neer type II clavicle fractures. The advantage of this osteosynthesis is the possibility of immediate functional aftercare," wrote R.J. Renger and colleagues (see also Life Sciences).

The researchers concluded: "We observed a high percentage of discomfort due to the implant; therefore, we advise to remove the implant as soon as consolidation has taken place."

Renger and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma (The Clavicle Hook Plate for Neer Type II Lateral Clavicle Fractures. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, 2009;23(8):570-574).

For additional information, contact R.J. Renger, Hospital de la Santa Creu & St. Pau, Dept. of Surgery, Carrer St. Antoni Maria Claret 167, Barcelona 08025, Spain.

Publisher contact information for the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma is: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 530 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA.

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