Good to Excellent Functional Outcome and High Return to Sports Rate after Operative Treatment of Unstable Lateral Clavicle Fractures: Comparison of Two Coracoclavicular Button Fixation Techniques.

Operative therapy for unstable lateral clavicle fractures is necessary to reduce the risk of bony non-union. Irritation and restriction during sportive activities due to the implanted materials are a common reason for impaired function and implant removal. The aim of this study was to gain information on functional outcome and time until return to sport (RTS) after surgical treatment of unstable lateral clavicle fractures, comparing two coracoclavicular button techniques. A retrospective chart review of patients who were consecutively treated for unstable lateral clavicle fractures at our level one trauma center from 2014 to 2018 was conducted. Two different surgical techniques were evaluated and compared. Group 1 was treated using a locking compression plate and knotted DogBone™ Button, while group 2 received an LCP and knotless DogBone™ Button. Functional outcome (ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Score), Constant-Score, DASH (Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand), MSQ (Munich Shoulder Questionnaire) and SPADI (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index) and time until RTS were investigated and compared between both groups, 1 year postoperatively. A total of 56 patients ( Locking compression plating and coracoclavicular fixation using a knotless Dogbone™ technique provides good to excellent functional outcomes, a high and fast rate of return to sport and lower irritation rates compared to the knotted DogBone™ technique.