[Open reduction and internal fixation in treatment of four cases of bipolar clavicle dislocations].

Objective: To summarize the method and effectiveness of open reduction and internal fixation in the treatment of 4 cases of bipolar clavicle dislocations.

Methods: Between June 2017 and June 2022, 4 patients with bipolar clavicle dislocations were admitted. There were 3 males and 1 female. The age ranged from 27 to 63 years, with an average age of 45 years. There were 2 cases of crushing injury of mine car, 1 case of traffic accident injury, and 1 case of heavy object injury. The time from injury to operation was 3-7 days, with an average of 5.0 days. The sternoclavicular joint dislocations were classified as Grade Ⅱ in 1 case and type Ⅲ in 3 cases, and anterior dislocation in 3 cases and posterior dislocation in 1 case. The acromioclavicular joint dislocations were classified as Tossy type Ⅱ in 2 cases and type Ⅲ in 2 cases. After open reduction, the sternoclavicular joint and acromioclavicular joint were fixed with lateral malleolus locking titanium plate and clavicular hook plate, respectively.

Results: All operations were successfully completed without vascular or nerve injury. All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-18 months, with an average of 14 months. At last follow-up, the shoulder joint functions were rated as excellent in 3 cases and good in 1 case according to Rockwood score. During follow-up, there was no loosening of internal fixator or fracture. The internal fixators were removed in all patients at 5-7 months after operation (mean, 6 months), and no re-dislocation occurred after removal.

Conclusion: For bipolar clavicle dislocation, open reduction combined with lateral malleolus locking titanium plate fixation of the sternoclavicular joint and clavicle hook plate fixation of the acromioclavicular joint can achieve good effectiveness. It has the advantages of simple operation, high safety, firm fixation, and fewer complications, and the shoulder function recovers well.