Clinical analysis of the acromial height-measuring device combined with new-type clavicular hook plate and standard clavicular hook plate in the treatment of Neer type II distal clavicle fractures

Background Distal clavicular fracture is a shoulder joint injury that is common in clinical settings and is generally surgically treated using the clavicular hook plate technique with a confirmed curative effect. However, symptoms, such as shoulder abduction limitation, shoulder discomfort, and postoperative joint pain, may occur in some patients. To overcome these problems, after a previous study we developed an acromial height-measuring device and a new type of clavicular hook plate. This study aimed to investigate whether an acromial height-measuring device combined with an improved new-type clavicular hook plate can better reduce the incidence of complications and improve postoperative function. To provide patients with better treatment effects, an acromion gauge and clavicular hook plate are used. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 81 patients with distal clavicular fractures admitted to our hospital. They were divided into experimental and control groups according to different plates, and the Constant–Murley score, visual analogue scale score, incidence of acromion osteolysis, and incidence of subacromial impingement syndrome were compared. Results Compared with the standard clavicular hook plate, the acromial height-measuring device combined with the new-type clavicular hook plate in the treatment of distal clavicle fractures has a lower incidence of subacromial impingement syndrome with better postoperative functional recovery and quality of life. Conclusions We considered the acromial height-measuring device combined with the new clavicular hook plate to be a safe and promising alternative to distal clavicular fractures.