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Authors of section

Authors

Jonas Andermahr, Michael McKee, Diane Nam

Executive Editor

Joseph Schatzker

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ORIF - Hook plate

1. Introduction

Clavicle hook plate fixation is indicated when there is insufficient bone in the distal clavicular fragment for adequate fixation with a conventional or distal clavicle plate.

The decision to proceed with hook plate fixation can be made preoperatively or intraoperatively if unanticipated inadequate fixation is obtained in the distal fragment.

This makes hook plate fixation an attractive alternative when unexpected difficulties are encountered with fixation of the distal clavicular fragment.

One drawback of hook plate fixation is that, following solid healing of the fracture, plate removal is generally required to optimize shoulder range of motion and eliminate residual discomfort from the hardware.

The avulsed fragment should be included in the plate screw fixation whenever possible.

orif hook plate

AO teaching video: Lateral Clavicle—Dislocations and Fractures—The LCP Clavicle Hook Plate

2. Patient preparation and approach

Patient preparation

This procedure is normally performed with the patient either in a beach chair or a supine position.

Approach

For this procedure a superior approach is normally used.

orif hook plate

3. Verification of necessity of hook plate use

Following reflection of the deltoid the distal clavicle fracture site is identified and cleared of any hematoma or debris.

Pitfall: it important to preserve the integrity of the acromioclavicular joint capsule, as this contributes to stability of the small distal clavicular fragment.

A sterile 18-gauge needle is used to identify the acromioclavicular joint (this allows the surgeon a clear determination of the size and integrity of the distal clavicular fragment). Assessment is then performed whether conventional plate fixation is possible, or if hook plate use is required.

orif hook plate

4. Direct reduction and fixation

Reduction

Reduction can be performed with several different methods, depending on fracture configuration and surgeon’s preference. Generally, reduction will be easier if the shoulder girdle is supported and prevented from sagging downwards.

Conventional direct reduction can be performed using fracture clamps on the proximal and distal fragments, with downward and anterior pressure on the proximal fragment and superior force on the distal fragment and attached shoulder girdle.

orif hook plate

Alternatively a ball spiked pusher may be utilized to align the fragments.

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Temporary fixation

Following accurate reduction, temporary fixation of the small lateral fragment to the main medial fragment is performed with a K-wire directed from lateral to medial, trans fixating the AC joint.

orif hook plate

Incision for hook placement

A small incision is made at the posterior aspect of the acromioclavicular joint to allow sub-acromial placement of the hook.

orif hook plate

Plate selection

The trial hook plates are used to select the correct length of plate (to allow a minimum of 3 screws in the proximal fragment) and to determine the correct depth of the hook.

orif hook plate

Plate positioning

At this point, the definitive hook plate is applied to the fracture.

Correct placement of the hook portion posteriorly under the acromion aids in reduction and avoids rotator cuff impingement.

The hook portion of the plate resists downward and medial translation of the arm through its tip position under the acromion.

orif hook plate

Plate application

The fixation of the hook plate is completed with insertion of the cortical screws in the shaft fragment and cancellous screws in the distal fragment to augment fixation.

Locking screws may be used if bone quality is poor.

The K-wire is removed.

orif hook plate

5. Indirect reduction and fixation

The hook plate is a powerful tool that can be used to provide an indirect reduction of a distal clavicle fracture.

This indirect reduction technique is useful for comminuted fractures or fractures with very small distal fragments in which conventional reduction and fixation is difficult.

orif hook plate

Incision for hook placement

A small incision is made on the posterior aspect of the acromioclavicular joint to allow subacromial hook placement.

orif hook plate

Plate selection

With the hook portion of the trial hook plate in the subacromial space, the shaft portion of the hook plate is used to lever the shaft fragment in to place.

orif hook plate

At this point a trial and error method with the three different trail hook plate depths is used to determine the optimal hook depth for accurate fracture reduction.

orif hook plate

Pitfalls and pearls

Pitfall: It is important not to over-reduce the clavicle. This is the most common technical error and occurs when the hook depth chosen is too small which leads to inferior displacement of the shaft fragment. This results in an excessive pressure exerted on the acromion by the hook portion of the plate: acromial erosion or fracture can occur.

orif hook plate

Avoidance of over-reduction

There are a number of intraoperative maneuvers that will help avoid over-reduction. These include:

  1. Selecting a hook depth that is appropriate for the individual case
  2. It may be necessary to contour the shaft or hook portion of the plate with the hand held bending irons to optimize plate placement, as anatomy in this area may be quite variable. Care should be taken not to bend he plate or hook repeatedly as this might lead to material failure
  3. Excessive downward pressure on the clavicle should be avoided as this often results in over-reduction
  4. A superior bony prominence of the distal clavicle may be resected to provide a flat superior surface for plate placement: this will prevent over-reduction of the clavicle
  5. In cases where reduction is uncertain, intraoperative imaging with a trial in place will clarify the degree of clavicular reduction and can aid in correction of any over-reduction
complete lsss failure

Pitfall: A too great hook depth will result in under-reduction, or residual superior displacement of the shaft fragment.

orif hook plate

Pearl: It may be necessary to contour the shaft or hook portion of the plate with the hand held bending irons to optimize plate placement, as individual anatomy in this area may be quite variable. Care should be taken not to repeatedly bend the plate or hook as this might lead to material failure.

orif hook plate

Hook placement

At this point, the definitive hook plate is applied to the fracture.

Correct placement of the hook portion posteriorly under the acromion aids in reduction and avoids rotator cuff impingement.

The hook portion of the plate resists downward displacement of the arm through its position under the acromion.

orif hook plate

Reduction and plate application

To avoid excessive stress on any screw insert first the screw closest to the fracture and tighten until appropriate resistance is felt. This may leave the plate proud but...

orif hook plate

...sequential insertion of the following screws should approximate it to the shaft fragment and result in accurate fracture reduction. Note this can be done only if regular screws are used. Locking screws are contraindicated for such a maneuver.

orif hook plate

If feasible, a lag screw is now inserted to secure the avulsed segment to the rest of the clavicle.

lateral displaced fracture with cc intact fragmentary

6. Check of osteosynthesis

At the conclusion of fixation the fracture site, plate and screws are carefully checked to ascertain accurate reduction, correct plate placement, and avoidance of any intra-articular screw placement. If any doubt remains regarding these findings, an intraoperative radiograph should be taken for confirmation.

7. Aftercare

The aftercare can be divided into 4 phases:

  1. Inflammatory phase (week 1–3)
  2. Early repair phase (week 4–6)
  3. Late repair and early tissue remodeling phase (week 7–12)
  4. Remodeling and reintegration phase (week 13 onwards)

Full details on each phase can be found here.