To determine the outcome of Clavicle Hook Plate fixation in terms of level of function achieved, healing of the fracture and the need for removal of the hook plate.

Review of patient records and radiographs of all the fractured clavicles and acromioclavicular dislocations that were surgically treated with a Clavicle Hook Plate. The study population was identified using the operating theatre data.

A total of 24 patients (19 lateral third-Neer type II-fractures and 5 type III acromioclavicular dislocations) were treated from January 1998 to December 2003. Eighteen of the 24 plates (75%) had been removed at the time of the study. In 72% restriction of the range of movement and pain due to plate impingement were the main causes for removal of the plate. Two of the plates (11%) were removed due to ‘mechanical failure’; the plate being levered off the bone or eroding the acromion. Mechanical failure of the plate was significantly associated with an older age group (P=0.01).

At the time of discharge from the clinic 57% had more than 50% of their shoulder movements, while 55.5% had minimal or no pain.

We suggest that Clavicle Hook Plates should be routinely removed as they cause impingement symptoms and they be used with caution (if at all) in the older age group given the tendency for the plate to lever off the bone.