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CompletedNCT06395363clavicle_frucUpdated May 2, 2024

Evaluation of the Functional Outcomes of Surgical Treatment in Displaced, Closed, and Isolated Distal Clavicle Fractures in Adults

An observational study in Clavicle Fracture, sponsored by Tishreen University. Completed at 1 site in Syrian Arab Republic. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 65 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2024-05-02.

Sponsored by Tishreen University · Observational

Study type
Observational
Model
Cohort
Time perspective
Retrospective
Enrollment
38
Ages
18 Years to 65 Years
Sex
All
01

Study summary

Clavicle fractures are common among young people, generally as a consequence of car accidents, bike falls, and contact sports injuries. 15-20% of all clavicle fractures involve the lateral end of the bone. Thus, the distal clavicle fractures, in particular, have a high nonunion rate ranging from 21-33% when treated non-operatively, underscoring the usual advice for operative treatment. While significant research has been conducted on clavicle fractures and their treatment options, no definitive guidelines or optimal approaches have been established. Hence, this study aimed at assessing the clinical and radiological results of the two highly used surgical techniques, the Tension Band Wiring (TBW) and Hook plate ones, in addition to investigating the associated functional recovery and outcomes.

Read the detailed description

Clavicle fractures are common among young people, generally as a consequence of car accidents, bike falls, and contact sports injuries. 15-20% of all clavicle fractures involve the lateral end of the bone. Thus, the distal clavicle fractures, in particular, have a high nonunion rate ranging from 21-33% when treated non-operatively, underscoring the usual advice for operative treatment. While significant research has been conducted on clavicle fractures and their treatment options, no definitive guidelines or optimal approaches have been established. Hence, this study aimed to assess the clinical and radiological results of the two highly used surgical techniques, Tension Band Wiring (TBW) and Hook plate ones, in addition to investigating the associated functional recovery and outcomes.

Between August 2019 and 2022, An analytical retrospective comparative study was done on 38 patients (20 TBW and 18 Hook plate) diagnosed with a fracture of the lateral third of clavicle (Neer 2) and followed up for more than 12 months at Tishreen University Hospital, Lattakia, Syria.

This research study included patients who met the following criteria: Patients with unstable distal third clavicle fracture (Neer type 2), aged between 18 and 65 years old. Nevertheless, Patients who had open fractures, pathological fractures, fractures associated with brachial plexus or pulmonary or vascular injury, acromioclavicular joint disruption, and musculoskeletal disease that affects the joint, were excluded.

Preoperative shoulder x-rays in AP with (10-15) ° cephalic tilt (ZANCA View) and axillary view were taken. In addition, Basic lab tests were done for all patients on admission. this study used A.O Hook plate with (4-7) holes, (3.5) mm screws, and (12.15.18) mm of hook depth, 2 Kirschner-wires of (2.0) mm, and a stainless steel wire of (18) gauge in the TBW technique.

Furthermore, Radiological assessment was performed immediately after surgery, followed by evaluations at 3, 6, 12, and 24-week intervals to monitor healing progress and implant positioning. Recorded complications included infection, non-union, mal-union, pin migration, hardware impingement, and stiffness. The outcome was assessed based on union status, time to fracture union, shoulder joint range of motion, ability to perform daily activities and return to pre-injury status

02

Conditions studied

  • Clavicle Fracture

Keywords

  • Distal clavicle fractures
  • TBW
  • Hook plate
  • functional outcomes
03

In context

Lead sponsor

Tishreen University is the lead sponsor of 15 studies on the registry; none are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years to 65 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
Yes
Sampling method
Probability sample

Study population

This study is a comparative retrospective study of 38 patients who had unstable distal clavicle fracture (Neer 2) featured in Figure 1. treated either with TBW technique (Figure 3 and 4) or A.O Hook plate fixation (Fugure.2), and presented to the orthopedic department of Tishreen University Hospital, in Lattakia, Syria, between August 30, 2019 and August 30, 2022.

Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.

Inclusion criteria

  • Patients with unstable distal third clavicle fracture (Neer type 2)
  • Patients aged between 18 and 65 years old

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Patient who had open fractures, pathological fractures, fractures associated with brachial plexus or pulmonary or vascular injury, acromioclavicular joint disruption, and musculoskeletal disease that affects the joint
05

Study design

Observational model
Cohort
Time perspective
Retrospective
Enrollment
38 participants (actual)
Patient registry
No

Groups and cohorts

  • Tension Band Wiring (TBW) group

    Patients had The fixation method that involved trans-articular fixation through the acromioclavicular joint, supplemented with an additional cerclage wire tension band for enhanced stability. Following surgery, the operated shoulder was supported with a triangular sling for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. Gentle mobilization was permitted once pain subsided, although full range of motion was limited due to pin impingement until implant removal.

    Procedure: fixation method

  • In the Hook plate group

    Patients had The fixation method that involved creating a tunnel in the sub-acromial space posterior to the acromioclavicular joint and inserting the hook into this tunnel. If necessary, the plate was contoured to match the clavicle's shape, with careful consideration given to the appropriate depth of the hook. Dynamic compression was utilized to secure the plate in place. Following surgery, the shoulder was supported with a triangular sling for a period ranging from 2 to 4 weeks. Mobilization commenced at the earliest opportunity, typically resulting in full range of motion within three to four weeks. It is worth mentioning that across both groups, heavy manual labor was prohibited until evidence of solid fracture union was observed.

    Procedure: fixation method

Interventions

  • Procedurefixation method

    The fixation methods were either involved trans-articular fixation through the acromioclavicular joint, supplemented with an additional cerclage wire tension band for enhanced stability. Or, creating a tunnel in the sub-acromial space posterior to the acromioclavicular joint and inserting the hook into this tunnel.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. The Rate of Wound infection

    Wound infection refers to the occurrence of microbial contamination or colonization leading to clinical signs and symptoms of infection at the surgical site. It encompasses various types of infections, including superficial, deep, and organ/space surgical site infections, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria.

    Time frame: Estimated time is up to 6 weeks, follow-up visits typically at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks post-surgery.

  2. The Rate of wire migration

    The rate of wire migration refers to the occurrence of movement or displacement of wires used in surgical procedures, particularly those intended for fixation or support, Wire migration can lead to various complications depending on the location and purpose of the wire, including malpositioning, tissue damage, or loss of efficacy in providing support or stabilization.

    Time frame: Up to 12 months, Regular monitoring of wire stability and migration during scheduled follow-up visits, typically conducted monthly for the duration of the study.

  3. The incidence of sub-acromial impingement

    Sub-acromial impingement syndrome is a common shoulder disorder characterized by compression or irritation of the structures located beneath the acromion, including the rotator cuff tendons and sub-acromial bursa.

    Time frame: Continued monitoring of shoulder function and pain at intermediate time points during the study, up to 12 months post-treatment,

  4. The Rate of Skin erosion

    Skin erosion refers to the gradual wearing away or breakdown of the skin surface, leading to the exposure of underlying tissues.skin erosion may occur as a result of various factors, including the type of medical device or implant used, repeated friction or pressure on the skin, or underlying infection. Monitoring skin erosion is important as it can indicate potential complications related to the intervention, such as device failure, tissue irritation, or infection.

    Time frame: Continued monitoring immediate post-intervention period up to 12 months post operatively.

07

Study locations

1 site
  • Tishreen University
    Latakia, Syrian Arab Republic
08

References and documents

Study documents

PDFs hosted by the registry, ClinicalTrials.gov.

09

Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on May 2, 2024, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT06395363
Lead sponsor
Tishreen University
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
May 2, 2024
Start date
Aug 1, 2019
Primary completion
Aug 30, 2022
Completion
Aug 30, 2022
Last update
May 2, 2024

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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