Dual mini-plate vs. T-plate fixation for Edinburgh type IB proximal clavicle fractures: a comparative clinical study.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical efficacy of dual mini-plate fixation and T-plate fixation in the management of Edinburgh type IB proximal clavicular fractures (PCFs).

METHODS

A total of 100 patients with PCF who underwent surgical treatment using either dual mini-plate fixation (mini-plate group) or a T-plate fixation (T-plate group). Therapeutic efficacy, operative parameters, recovery metrics, postoperative complications, subjective pain, upper extremity function, shoulder range of motion, and serum bone metabolic markers were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Clinical outcomes favored the mini-plate approach over the T-plate technique. Operation time and intraoperative blood loss did not differ statistically between groups. However, the mini-plate procedure resulted in a smaller incision, shorter hospital stay, faster fracture healing, earlier return to work, fewer complications, and greater improvements in pain relief, upper limb function, shoulder mobility, and bone metabolic activity.

CONCLUSION

For Edinburgh type IB PCFs, dual mini-plate fixation provides superior clinical efficacy over T-plate fixation, promoting faster recovery and improved functional outcomes.