All arthroscopic coracoclavicular button fixation is efficient for Neer type II distal clavicle fractures

Abstract

Purpose Neer type II distal clavicle fractures are associated with a high rate of non-union or malunion due to impaired coracoclavicular ligament stability. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopically assisted indirect osteosynthesis for type II distal clavicle fractures using a cortical suture button device. Methods Seventeen patients Neer type II fractures of the distal clavicle were treated surgically using cortical suture button fixation between 2012 and 2017. The clinical and radiological results were assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score (ASES), Constant-Murley score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score. Results Anatomic reduction and bone healing were achieved in all patients at the final follow-up. The median age of the patients was 31 years (range 19-57). The mean follow-up was 25.9 months (range 14-64). The average delay before surgery was 2 days (range 1-4). At the final follow-up, the mean ASES, Constant-Murley score and VAS score were 92.6 +/- 3.2 (range 84.9-96.6), 96.2 +/- 2.4 (range 92-100) and 0.47 +/- 0.51 (range 0-1), respectively. All patients were able to resume work as well as sport activities. The postoperative complications included two coracoid process fractures, and none of the patients required additional surgery related to the index procedure. Conclusion All arthroscopic coracoclavicular button fixation of Neer type II distal clavicle fractures would provide sufficient stability and union with satisfactory radiological and clinical outcomes. This arthroscopic fixation technique would be more efficient than other osteosynthesis methods because it is a minimally invasive surgery with a low complication rate.