OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical and radiographic results of two different fixation methods, plates and intramedullary nail, for the treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures. METHODS: From May 2010 to February 2011, 22 patients with mid clavicle fractures were randomized to plate fixation (ten patients) or TEN fixation (twelve patients). Among the main outcome measures are: the Con- stant score, the DASH score, the presence of complications related to methods and radiographic features. RESULTS: Thirteen patients completed at least 4 months (six of the plate group and seven in the TEN group). The radiographic healing time was similar between the two groups, with an average of 12.3 weeks in TEN group and 12.4 weeks in the plate group. There was also no difference in shoulder range of motion, postop- erative pain or the presence of nonunion. One patient treated with TEN fixation had a refracture after implant removal at 3 months postoperatively and one patient of the plate group had implant deformation and loosening requiring reoperation. Functional scores were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: With the results obtained so far, it appears that the fixation of midshaft clavicle fractures with plate and TEN presents similar results regarding the healing time, the number of complications and shoulder function. This are preliminary results, since larger casuistic and time of follow-up are necessary in order to achieve definitive conclusions.
Clavicle Fracture; Internal Fixation; Outcomes
