Unicortical and bicortical plating in the fixation of comminuted fractures of the clavicle: a biomechanical study

Abstract

Background: Intraoperative neurovascular complications with clavicle fracture fixation are often due to far cortex penetration by drills and screws, but could be avoided using a unicortical construct. The objective of this study was to compare the bending and torsional strength of a unicortical locking screw plate construct and a hybrid (with central locked and outer non-locked long oblique screws) unicortical plate construct for clavicle fracture fixation with that of a conventional bicortical locking screw construct of plate fixation. Methods: Twenty-four human clavicle specimens were harvested and fractured in a comminuted mid-shaft butterfly configuration. Clavicles were randomly allocat..