Clavicular nonunion: 31/32 healed after plate fixation and bone grafting

Abstract

We report the long-term results in 32 patients with established nonunion of the clavicle; 15 treated with AO Dynamic Compression Plate and autologous cancellous bone graft and 17 treated with an AO reconstruction plate and autologous cancellous bone graft. the patients were followed up for a mean of 8 (4-21) years from injury and 7 (4-12) from non-union operation, both by clinical review and radiographs. 31/32 nonunions united successfully. One fracture which initially failed to unite was replated and subsequently united. 6 compression plates and 7 reconstruction plates were removed for discomfort or cos-mesis. None broke. Both plates give equally good results, but we feel that the reconstruction plate is easier to contour to the complex form of the clavicle.