The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between the location of the plate and the incidence of clavicular hypoesthesia and the clinical features of patients with clavicular hypoesthesia after open reduction and internal fixation of clavicular midshaft fractures.

Seventy-eight patients who underwent open reduction and plate fixation for clavicle midshaft fractures between March 2013 and October 2014 were assessed for eligibility. The total clavicular length (A), the distance to the medial end of the plate from the sternoclavicular joint (B), and the distance to the lateral end of the plate from the sternoclavicular joint (C) were measured. Correlation between the location of the clavicular plate and the incidence of clavicular hypoesthesia was evaluated. In addition, the severity, and recovery of hypoesthesia were evaluated. Patient satisfaction, pain visual analogue scale were evaluated regarding hypoesthesia.

The incidence of hypoesthesia was 32.1% (25/78 patients). No correlation was observed with respect to the location of the clavicular plate and the incidence of clavicular hypoesthesia (p=0.666 at the medial end, p=0.369 at the lateral end). Recovery from hypoesthesia was observed in 23 out of 25 patients (p=0.008). Patient satisfaction and pain showed negative correlation with the incidence of hypoesthesia (p=0.002 and p=0.022).

There was no correlation between clavicular hypoesthesia and the plate location. Although most cases of hypoesthesia were recovered, we should try to avoid hypoesthesia due to the negative 'correlation' with patient satisfaction and pain.