Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, P32, Ibn Rochd University Hospital Center, Casablanca, Morocco.
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2026, 30(01), 1840-1844
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2026.30.1.0986
Received on 08 March 2026; revised on 13 April 2026; accepted on 16 April 2026
Background: Clavicle hook plates are widely used in the management of unstable distal clavicle fractures, but prolonged retention is associated with potentially harmful subacromial complications. The optimal timing of implant removal remains controversial.
Objective: To evaluate the impact of implant removal timing on functional outcomes and complications.
Methods: A retrospective comparative study was conducted including patients treated for distal clavicle fractures with hook plate fixation, divided into early (< 4 months) and late (≥ 4 months) removal groups. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Constant score and pain using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Results: Early removal was associated with significantly better functional outcomes (90 ± 5 vs 82 ± 8; p < 0.01) and lower pain levels (VAS 1.5 ± 0.8 vs 2.8 ± 1.1; p < 0.01). Subacromial complications were significantly reduced (10% vs 30%), with no increase in instability.
Conclusion: Implant removal performed between 3 and 4 months after confirmed bone union appears to optimize clinical outcomes.
Distal clavicle fracture; Hook plate fixation; Implant removal timing; Early versus delayed removal; Subacromial complications; Constant score
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S. El Adaoui, T. Hrar, A. Rajaalah, A. Messoudi, M. Rahmi and M. Rafai. Optimal timing of clavicle hook plate removal: Is early removal necessary? A retrospective comparative study. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2026, 30(01), 1840-1844. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2026.30.1.0986