Experiences of intramedullary fixation of displaced clavicle fractures in young adults

Abstract

Background: Incidence of fracture shaft of clavicle is increasing in young population due to increase incidence of road traffic accident. Conventionally plate and screw fixation has been the choice, but to avoid complications like soft tissue problem, hardwire prominence, nonunion etc, a less invasive method like intramedullary fixation is desirable.Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in orthopaedic Deptt. of IPGMER and SSKM Hospital, Kolkata during January 2015 to August 2017 on 30 adult patients with fresh closed fractures of mid shaft of clavicle. Patients with open fractures, pathological fractures, and grossly comminuted fractures were excluded. All the nails were introduced through medial side of clavicle under fluoroscopic guidance and open reduction with minimum tissue dissection when closed reduction not possible. All patients were follow up for one and half year for results in terms of time to union, operative complications, functional score etc.Results: All the fractures united within a reasonable period with good functional result in respect to constant-murley shoulder score with less complications.Conclusion: Intramedullary fixation, like TENS nail is a good viable option in displaced midshaft fracture of clavicle.