Dataset Information

Does clavicular shortening after nonoperative treatment of midshaft fractures affect shoulder function? A systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Clavicular shortening due to non-anatomical healing of displaced clavicular fractures is believed to have a negative effect on shoulder function after recovery. The evidence for this, however, is equivocal. This review aimed to systematically evaluate the available literature to determine whether the current beliefs about clavicular shortening can be substantiated.

Materials and methods

This systematic review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Clinical Trial Registry were searched to identify all studies published in English that evaluated the association between clavicular shortening and shoulder function in patients aged ?16 years with a nonoperatively treated, displaced midshaft clavicular fracture. Relevant data from the selected studies was extracted and summarized. Risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the MINORS instrument.

Results

Six studies, of which five were retrospective, were included in this review analyzing a total of 379 patients. Due to heterogeneity in methods and reporting across studies, a pooled analysis of the results was not feasible. No clear associations were found between shortening and shoulder function scores (DASH and Constant score) or arm strength in each of the included studies.

Conclusion

The existing evidence to date does not allow for a valid conclusion regarding the influence of shortening on shoulder function after union of nonoperatively treated midshaft clavicular fractures. Shortening alone is currently not an evidence-based indication to operate for the goal of functional improvement. Well-powered prospective comparative studies are needed to draw firm conclusions.

SUBMITTER: Woltz S

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5511301 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Does clavicular shortening after nonoperative treatment of midshaft fractures affect shoulder function? A systematic review.

Woltz Sarah S Sengab Alysia A Krijnen Pieta P Schipper Inger B IB

Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery 20170621 8

<h4>Introduction</h4>Clavicular shortening due to non-anatomical healing of displaced clavicular fractures is believed to have a negative effect on shoulder function after recovery. The evidence for this, however, is equivocal. This review aimed to systematically evaluate the available literature to determine whether the current beliefs about clavicular shortening can be substantiated.<h4>Materials and methods</h4>This systematic review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for S ...[more]

PMID: 28639075

Similar Datasets

Project description:PurposeTo date, it remains unclear whether superior or anterior plating is the best option for treating midshaft clavicular fractures. The aim of this study was to compare both techniques with regard to the incidence of implant removal due to implant irritation, risk of complications, time to union, and function.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, all midshaft clavicular fractures treated operatively between 2017 and 2020 in two hospitals in Switzerland were analyzed. The participating hospitals differed with regard to their standard practice; one offered superior plating only, while the other predominantly employed an anterior plate. The primary outcome was the incidence of implant removal for irritation. Secondary outcomes were time to union, complications, re-interventions, and range of motion during the follow-up period of at least 6 months.ResultsIn total, 168 patients were included in the study of which 81 (48%) received anterior plating and 87 (52%) superior plating. The overall mean age was 45 years (SD 16). There was no significant difference between anterior and superior plating with regard to implant removal (58.5% versus 57.1%, p = 0.887), infection (5.7% versus 1.8%, p = 0.071), and time to union (median 48 weeks versus 52 weeks, p = 0.643). Data on range of motion were available in 71 patients. There was no significant difference in anteflexion (median 180 degrees anterior versus 180 degrees superior) and abduction (median 180 degrees anterior versus 180 degrees superior) between the two groups.ConclusionThis retrospective cohort study did not find sufficient evidence to recommend one implant position over the other for midshaft clavicular fractures with regard to removal due to irritation. Time to union was similar and Infections were equally rare in both groups. Notably, a considerable number of patients in both groups had their implants removed due to irritation. Larger prospective studies are needed to determine how much plate position contributes to the occurrence of irritation and whether other patient or implant-related factors might play a role. Until this is clarified, implant position should be based on surgeons preference and experience.

Project description:Background:The majority of clavicle fractures are midshaft injuries, although fractures of the distal or medial fragment also occur. The aim of this study was to review the current evidence on these injuries to help inform future treatment plans. Methods:We searched for studies comparing interventions for medial, midshaft, or distal clavicle fractures; however, we did not identify any comparative studies on medial fractures and performed a secondary search on this topic. We conducted Bayesian network meta-analyses, although this was not feasible with studies on medial fractures and we described their results qualitatively. Results:For midshaft fractures, we found statistically significant improvements in function and time to radiographic union with plating, an elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN), and the Sonoma CRx intramedullary nail over nonoperative treatments. Both plating and an ESIN also showed significantly lower risks of nonunion and malunion relative to nonoperative methods. For distal fractures, a locking plate (LP) with or without coracoclavicular (CC) suturing yielded significantly better outcomes over K-wires with or without tension bands, CC suturing alone, an LP with a CC screw, a hook plate, and a sling. For medial fractures, plating may result in more favorable functional and union-related outcomes, although implant irritation may occur. In addition, K-wires, tension bands, and a screw with sutures demonstrated success when plating was technically not feasible in a few cases, whereas treatment with a sling may result in reduced function and a higher risk of complications relative to surgery. Conclusion:This study can provide guidance on the management of medial, midshaft, and distal clavicle fractures. The current evidence suggests that plating, an ESIN, and a CRx intramedullary nail are all good options for midshaft fractures; an LP with or without CC suturing should be preferred for distal fractures; and plating is also acceptable for medial fractures, provided that the patient is deemed suitable for surgery and has the adequate bone stock and sufficiently sized medial fragment necessary to implant the device. Patient preferences for certain outcomes should be considered, which may result in different treatment recommendations.

Dataset Information

Does clavicular shortening after nonoperative treatment of midshaft fractures affect shoulder function? A systematic review.

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Does clavicular shortening after nonoperative treatment of midshaft fractures affect shoulder function? A systematic review.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets