목적: 쇄골 원위부 불안정성 골절을 Hook 금속판으로 치료한 결과 및 합병증을 분석하고, 금속판 제거 전, 후의 기능적 결과를 비교 분석하였다. 대상 및 방법: 2009년 3월부터 2012년 12월까지 쇄골 원위부 불안정성 골절(Neer type II)을 Hook 금속판으로 수술 후 금속판을 제거한 20예를 분석하였다. 술 후 평균 추시는 12개월(8-20개월), 금속판 제거는 술 후 평균 18주(10-36주)였다. 임상적 기능 평가는 University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA)와 Korean Shoulder Scoring System (KSS) 점수를, 방사선학적 평가는 단순 방사선사진을 이용하였다. 결과: 방사선학적 평가상 20예 중 20예 모두 술 후 평균 11.4주(8-20주)에 골 유합을 얻었다. 20예 모두 술 후 견관절 운동 감소, 동통 등을 보였고, 금속판 제거 후 20예 모두 제거 전보다 UCLA 및 KSS 점수가 향상되었다. 결론: 쇄골 원위부 불안정성 골절 치료에서 Hook 금속판 고정술은 견고한 고정력을 얻을 수 있어 유용한 방법이나 술 후 견관절 운동 감소, 동통 등 합병증이 있어 골 유합 시 가능한 한 조기에 Hook 금속판을 제거하는 것이 좋을 것으로 생각된다.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the treatment results and complications in unstable distal clavicle fractures which were treated with a Hook plate, and, in particular, to compare the functional results before and after removal of the Hook plate. Materials and Methods: We examined 20 cases in 20 patients who underwent removal of Hook plates after bony union was obtained in an unstable fracture of the distal clavicle (Neer type II) from March 2009 to December 2012. The average follow-up period after initial surgery was 12 months (8-20 months). Plates were removed at 18 weeks (ranged from 10-36 weeks) after initial fixation. University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and Korean Shoulder Scoring System (KSS) scores were used for clinical functional evaluation, and plain radiographs were used for radiological evaluation. Results: In radiological evaluation, bony union was obtained at an average of 11.4 weeks (ranged from 8-14 weeks) in all of the 20 patients. All of the 20 patients showed limited range of motion, mild pain, and discomfort of the shoulder before removal of the Hook plate, and all of the 20 patients showed better results in UCLA and KSS score after removal of the plate, when compared to before removal. Stress fracture as a major complication, was united completely with a ‘figure of 8’ bandage and deep wound infection was resolved after repeated debridement and antibiotic treatment with satisfactory functional results. Conclusion: Hook plate in treatment of unstable fracture of the distal clavicle is considered to be a useful method because rigid fixation can be obtained. However, there are some complications, such as limited range of motion, pain, and discomfort of the shoulder joint, before removal of the Hook plate. Therefore, we think that removal of the Hook plate as soon as possible if bony union is obtained would be desirable.