Distal Clavicle Fracture Repair: Clinical Outcomes of a Surgical Technique Utilizing a Combination of Cortical Button Fixation and Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction

Background: When treated conservatively, unstable distal clavicle fractures demonstrate a high symptomatic nonunion rate. While a variety of surgical techniques have been described, many of these techniques are associated with high failure rates and hardware-related complications. The surgical technique used in this study has shown promising biomechanical results; however, long-term clinical results have not yet been described. Purpose: To assess the clinical and radiological outcomes of a surgical technique for fixing displaced distal clavicle fractures using a combination of cortical button fixation and coracoclavicular (CC) ligament reconstruction. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 22 consecutive patients with displaced, unstable Neer type II or V distal clavicle fractures who underwent this surgical technique from 2012 to 2019. Primary outcome variables were radiographic union, patient satisfaction, and postoperative shoulder function. Preoperative and postoperative University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores were compared. Secondary outcome variables included intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, time to radiographic union, and preoperative and postoperative CC distance. Quality of life was assessed using preoperative and postoperative 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores. Results: Nearly all (21/22) patients were available for a final review; 1 patient was lost to follow-up at 2 weeks. All 21 patients achieved radiographic union by 4 months (mean, 60.38 days; range, 41-84 days; 95% CI, 53.80-66.96 days). All patients were satisfied with the surgical procedure and their functional outcome. The mean UCLA score improved from 5.36 (95% CI, 4.14-6.60) preoperatively to 32.52 (95% CI, 30.56-34.48) postoperatively (mean difference, 27.14; P < .001). The mean ASES score improved from 16.23 (95% CI, 9.79-22.67) preoperatively to 88.11 (95% CI, 81.82-94.40) postoperatively (mean difference, 71.91; P < .001). Statistically significant improvements in SF-36 scores were seen in the physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, pain, social functioning, and emotional well-being categories. There were 3 postoperative complications, including 1 patient with a minor complication secondary to hardware irritation, 1 patient with adhesive capsulitis, and 1 patient with wound dehiscence requiring wound closure. Conclusion: We describe a surgical technique for fixing displaced distal clavicle fractures using a combination of cortical button fixation and CC ligament reconstruction that resulted in a 100% union rate and excellent clinical outcomes with acceptable complications.