ArticleClinics in shoulder and elbow2026
Superior versus anteroinferior plating for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of union, function, and complications.
Article in Clinics in shoulder and elbow, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundFixation of clavicular shaft fractures carries risks of nonunion, infection, and functional loss. Although superior and anteroinferior plating have widely been studied, the optimal approach remains debated. Previous literature has relied on indirect comparisons and been limited by early study cutoffs, high heterogeneity, and omission of key outcomes. This meta-analysis directly compared union, function, and complications between superior and anteroinferior plating.
methodsThis review followed the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Eligible studies included randomized trials or prospective/retrospective cohort studies of adults. Outcomes of interest included the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score; Constant-Murley score; and complications (plate removal, infection, nonunion). Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions or Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool, and certainty of evidence was determined with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Analyses were performed in Review Manager 5.4 (Cochrane).
resultsTwelve studies (n=980) were included. Constant-Murley scores did not differ significantly (mean difference [MD]=-1.19; 95% CI, -3.18 to 0.81; P=0.24). Beginning at 2 years, DASH scores showed no difference (MD=1.62; 95% CI, -0.46 to 3.70; P=0.13). Times-tounion (MD=0.41; 95% CI, -0.60 to 1.43; P=0.42) and rates of nonunion (odds ratio [OR]=2.42; 95% CI, 0.59-9.94; P=0.22) were comparable. Plate removal (OR=1.16; 95% CI, 0.82-1.65; P=0.41) and infection (OR=0.81; 95% CI, 0.32-2.06; P=0.66) also showed no significant differences. Heterogeneity was minimal (I2=0).
conclusionsSuperior and anteroinferior plating of midshaft clavicle fractures provide comparable union rates, functional outcomes, and complication rates. Selection of the surgical approach should depend on fracture morphology, surgeon preference, and patient-specific factors. Level of evidence: III.
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