Using a reconstruction locking compression plate as external fixator in infected open clavicle fracture

Abstract

Open clavicle fracture is an uncommon injury mostly caused by severe direct trauma. It is often associated with multiple organ injuries. Generally, surgical intervention with debridement and fracture repair is always indicated in order to prevent infection, non-union, and malalignment. In situations of bony exposure and significant contamination concomitant with severe soft tissue damage, the external fixation is the treatment of choice because of the possibility it offers of providing stable fixation with minimal local tissue damage resulting in excellent union rates and better soft tissue outcome. Nevertheless, traditional external fixation encountered some potential problems as its bulkiness and sharp edges caused discomfort to the patient. In this study, we present an interesting case of a polytraumatized patient with a gunshot injury with complex open clavicle fracture that was successfully treated with external fixation using reconstruction with a locking compression plate as definitive treatment.