Shannon, Steven F.

Axial carpal injuries are rare entities where a traumatic force transmits through the intermetacarpal space, dissociating the carpometacarpal joint and disrupting the distal carpal row in an axial radial or axial ulnar pattern via true axial force or compressive crush mechanism. Differences in outcomes remain unclear with regard to the specific type of axial carpal injury pattern. A retrospective case series identified 37 wrists (in 37 patients) over 25 years who presented to a Level 1 trauma centre, with 20 wrists experiencing an axial radial injury and 17 wrists experiencing an axial ulnar injury. Of all the variables evaluated, only axial radial injuries were identified as predictors of poor outcome as defined by Mayo Wrist scores with univariate analysis demonstrating 6 times increased risk and multivariate analysis demonstrating 15 times increased risk of a poor outcome compared with axial ulnar injuries. This knowledge will provide prognostic information to surgeons managing patients with these severe injuries. Level of evidence: IV

Summary: Historically, surgical treatment of acute mid-shaft clavicle fractures has excellent outcomes with low rates of nonunion. More complex fracture patterns with significant comminution may limit the fixation that can be obtained with a single plate. The authors describe the surgical technique and case series of patients treated with extraperiosteal dual plating for acute mid-shaft clavicle fractures.