Open AccessTreatment of mid-shaft clavicle fractures: A comparative study
Author(s) -
D Thyagarajan,
Marion Day,
Chris Dent,
R. G. Williams,
Richard A. Evans
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
international journal of shoulder surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0973-6042
DOI - 10.4103/0973-6042.57895
Subject(s) - clavicle , medicine , malunion , surgery , intramedullary rod , internal fixation , fixation (population genetics) , sling (weapon) , nonunion , population , environmental health
We retrospectively evaluated 51 patients (17 in each of three groups) with mid shaft clavicle fractures. Group 1 underwent intramedullary stabilization using clavicle pins. Group 2 underwent open reduction and internal fixation using plates and group 3 underwent non operative treatment with a sling. Group1 patients progressed to union within 8 to 12 weeks. In Group 2, six patients had scar related pain and two had prominent metal work and discomfort and in group 3, three patients developed non union and one had symptomatic malunion. Our results suggest that the displaced and shortened midshaft clavicle fractures require operative fixation and the techniques of clavicle pinning resulted in less complications, short hospital stay and good functional outcome.