Functional results following titanium elastic-stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of mid-shaft clavicle fractures

INTRODUCTION While plate fixation remains the gold standard for surgical treatment for displaced mid-shaft clavicle fractures (DMCF), intramedullary fixation has emerged as a promising alternative. However, due to its more demanding technique and depending on the fracture's nature, an open reduction can be necessary. Aim of this study was to compare the outcome of open reduction versus closed reduction of DMCF using ESIN. PATIENTS AND METHODS Titanium Elastic Nail (TEN) were used to treat 40 patients undergoing minimally invasive ESIN between December 2006 and July 2009. A total of 19 patients were treated with a closed reduction and 21 patients required open reduction. RESULTS Open reduction increases operative time and fluoroscopy time significantly versus closed reduction (open 80.8 ± 35.9 min; closed 30.5 ± 8.5 min). No significant differences were found regarding strength measurement (75.7 ± 22.0 N in the closed group and 74.2 ± 26.0 N in the open group), DASH score (5.1 ± 6.5 closed group vs. 5.8 ± 7.3 open group) and Constant score (87.4 ± 9 points closed group vs. 85.3 ± 7.2 points open group). No major complications were observed. CONCLUSION There was no significant difference comparing patients who were treated with an open versus a closed technique. If appropriately indicated we believe that using ESIN is an adequate and successful operative technique for DMCF. There were no significant differences in shoulder function after either procedure.