A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the use of hook plates and superior plates in the treatment of displaced distal clavicle fractures.

INTRODUCTION

Non-operative treatment of displaced distal clavicle fractures results in high non-union and yet there is no consensus on superior treatment modality. While there are a number of different techniques available for fixation, hook plate (HP) has been used most commonly. A number of modern techniques, including superior plate (SP), have shown less complications but equivocal union rate and shoulder function. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the outcome of HP fixation with superior plate in surgical fixation of displaced distal clavicle fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A review of the online databases MEDLINE and Embase was conducted on 15 January 2021 according to PRISMA guidelines. The review was registered prospectively in the PROSPERO database. Clinical studies reporting union rate, complications and shoulder function were included. The studies were appraised using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) tool.

RESULTS

The search strategy identified 42 studies eligible for inclusion with a total of 1,261 patients. These included 17 hook-plate case series (n = 573), 18 superior plate case series, of which 6 used SP alone (n = 223) and 12 SP and simultaneous CCLR case series (n = 189), and 7 studies comparing HP and SP (n = 276). The overall complication rate was significantly higher with HP when compared to SP [(32.7% vs 12.7%; OR 6.31 (95% CI: 2.67-14.91)]. The overall union rates in the case series appeared comparable in the current SR; HP 96.4%, SP 96.9% and SP with simultaneous CCLR 97.9%. Shoulder function was most commonly assessed using CM score and the mean ranged from 83.8 to 97.2 in HP, 89 to 98 in SP group and 90.6 to 97.6 in SP with CCLR. Meta-analysis of CM score failed to show a significant difference for HP versus SP (pooled weighted mean difference was 2.67 (95% CI: - 0.09 to 5.43) with a trend to favour SP fixation.

CONCLUSION

The current review has demonstrated that HP, SP alone or with CCLR all offer excellent union rate and appear to provide comparative functional outcomes. However, HP is associated with significantly higher complication rates.