Delayed Removal of Clavicular Hook Plates; The Effect on Complications and Functional Outcome

Abstract

This study aimed to determine whether leaving a clavicular hook plate in-situ for longer than six months is associated with a greater complication rate and reduced function compared to when removed within six months as recommended by manufacturer. Patients treated with a hook plate at our institute between January 2005 and October 2015 were categorised into two groups: removed within six months (group A); removed after six months (group B). Complications, ASES and SST score were compared between the groups. Fifty-two patients were identified with 30 patients in group A and 22 patients in group B. There was no significant difference between the groups in the outcome measures obtained from ASES or SST (p = 0.52; p = 0.33) or the complication rate (p = 0.83). Our study suggests that there is no difference between shoulder function and complication rate when the hook plate was removed after six months compared to when removed within six months.