A Comparison of Outcome after Fixation of Unstable Lateral Third Clavicle Fractures, with Clavicular Hook Plate versus Precontoured Anatomical Locking Plate.

Lateral end clavicle fractures are of three types (Neer type- I, II, & III). In Neer Type-II, the fractures are very unstable due to damage to the coracoclavicular (CC) ligament. So, it is always treated surgically. This comparative cross-sectional prospective study compares the outcome after internal fixation of these fractures with clavicular hook plate and precontoured anatomical locking plate.METHODSThirty-two (32) patients attending the OPD and ER of R.G. Kar Medical College, Kolkata, having Neer Type-II fractures, were treated surgically within three weeks of injury using either clavicular hook plate (17 patients) or precontoured anatomical locking plate (15 patients) and then systematically reviewed. The relevant literature of the two fixation methods were studied to note union, infection, hardware prominence, implant failure, metaphyseal fracture and other complications. Constant-Murley score was also used for evaluation.RESULTSIn our study, with both the fixation modalities, union was achieved in all cases by three months. No impingement was noted. Patients having fixation with precontoured anatomical locking plate had better scores and returned earlier to better function than the other group (p value <0.0001).CONCLUSIONSPrecontoured anatomical locking plate might be a better option which provides better functional outcome.

Desiccation stress induces developmental heterochrony in Drosophila melanogaster.

Stressful environments are known to perturb developmental patterns in insects. In the purview of desiccation as a stressor, relatively little is known about the developmental consequences linked with desiccation tolerance. In this study, we have particularly focused on the exploration of the temporal profile of postembryonic development in response to desiccation exposure in Drosophila melanogaster and the associated trade-offs. We document a correlation between variations in 20-hydroxyecdysone levels and the altered timing of metamorphic events during the life cycle. Following desiccation, we observed an extension in the larval longevity whereas the duration of the pupal and adult stages was significantly shortened. Alternately, feeding of 20-hydroxyecdysone apparently led to the restoration of the normal temporal pattern of development in the desiccated group. In spite of the desiccation-responsive heterochronic shifts in development, the overall lifespan post recovery remained almost unaltered among the desiccated and undesiccated groups suggesting plasticity in developmental control. This observation reminisces ‘canalization-like’ phenomenon that buffers alterations in the overall lifespan. We thus identified a desiccationresponsive period in the lifespan of D. melanogaster during which variations in ecdysone levels are capable to alter the temporal course of development.