Comparison of implant failure rates of different plates for midshaft clavicular fractures based on fracture classifications

Backgrounds The aim of our study was to investigate failure rates of reconstruction plate and non-reconstruction plate, and find the best strategy for implant selection for different fracture types for midshaft clavicular fractures. Patients and methods Two hundred twenty-six consecutive patients with midshaft clavicular fractures who received open reduction and plate fixation during Jan 2012 to July 2017 were reviewed. The correlations between implant failure rates and risk factors including demographic data, fracture classifications, and implant types were analyzed. Results AO/OTA fracture classification and plate types are the most important factors affecting implant failure for midshaft clavicular fractures. Reconstruction plate had a significantly higher failure rate (53%) than that of non-reconstruction plates (3%) in comminuted midshaft clavicular (AO/OTA 15-2C) fractures ( P value < 0.01). However, the difference was not significant in AO/OTA 15-2A and 2B classifications. Conclusion Patients with comminuted midshaft clavicular (AO/OTA 15-2C) fractures treated with reconstruction plates had very high implant failure rates compared to non-reconstruction plates. We suggested that patients with comminuted midshaft clavicular (AO/OTA 15-2C) fractures treated with reconstruction plates need more protection and more frequent follow-up in the postoperative period.