During the left midshaft clavicle ORIF, where was the plate placed?

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Plating the clavicle on the superior surface is preferred because the clavicle functions as a bending beam and the superior cortex is the tension side under typical loading. A plate up top provides the best resistance to tensile forces and offers solid screw purchase in thicker cortical bone, helping maintain alignment and reduce the risk of hardware failure. It also keeps hardware away from the neurovascular bundle that lies inferior to the clavicle, minimizing risk during drilling and screw placement. Placing a plate on the inferior or posterior surfaces would bring hardware close to the subclavian vessels and brachial plexus and is technically more challenging, while the anterior surface tends to be more exposed to soft tissues and irritation.