Background: Clavicle fractures account for about 44%-66% of injuries to the shoulder girdle. Till now, conventional open plating was practiced in displaced clavicle fractures. The concept of minimally invasive plating in clavicle fractures is least explored. The aim of this study was to compare the Functional (using Constant & Murley Score) & Radiological outcome of Conventional Open versus Minimally invasive plating techniques in the fixation of mid-shaft clavicular fractures.

Methods: This is a prospective comparative study of 80 displaced clavicle fractures treated with open plating & minimal invasive technique at a tertiary referral centre. All clavicle fractures seen in the emergency were alternatively allotted into 2 groups after inclusion and exclusion criteria was met.

40 Patients were treated with minimal invasive plating (Group 1) & 40 with open plating (Group 2). Functional outcome was measured in terms of Constant & Murley Scoring System. Radiological outcome was assessed by serial X rays at 8,12,16 and 24 weeks and VAS (Visual analogue scale) scoring for pain.

Results: Group 1 who were treated with minimal invasive plating had an average radiological union time of 7.2 weeks & group 2 had 8 weeks. Constant & Murley scoring was better in group 1 compared to group 2 (p<0.05)

Conclusions: From our study, it can be concluded that minimal invasive plating had excellent outcomes as compared to open plating methods in midshaft clavicle fractures in terms of Constant & Murley scoring, radiological union and VAS score.