Elastic stable intra-medullary nailing (ESIN) in management of fracture clavicle

Abstract

Back ground:Clavicle fractures accounting for 2.6 to 10 % of all adult fractures are usually treated non-operatively. There is an increasing trend toward their surgical fixation. The aim of our study was to investigate the outcome following titanium elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) for midshaft clavicular fractures.Materials and Methods:A total of 20 patients, which met inclusion criteria, were reviewed retrospectively. There were 14 males and 6 females. The mean age was 37.5 years. 60% of the patients were polytaumatized. The patients were assessed for clinical/radiological union and by Oxford Shoulder and QuickDASH scores. 40% patients required open reduction.Results:90% union was achieved at average of 11.3 weeks. The average follow-up was 6 months. The average Oxford Shoulder and QuickDASH scores were 43.5.6 and 8.5, respectively. No cases of nail migration were reported.Conclusion:In our hands, ESIN is safe and minimally invasive with good patient satisfaction, cosmetic appearance, and early return to daily activities. considering cosmesis the ESIN has much more superior outcome when compared to fixation by plate and screws.