Operative Treatment in Midshaft Fractures of Clavicle using Reconstruction Plate and Interfragmentary PDS Suture

PURPOSE: We are reporting the result of comminuted midshaft fractures of clavicle treated by reconstruction plate fixation and PDS augmentation easily fixing butterfly fragments with minimal soft tissue dissection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 42 cases of operatively treated displaced comminuted midshaft fractures of clavicle at our hospital from March, 2001 to May 2004 whom were followed up for more than one year after the operation. According to Robinson classification, we grouped simple fractures as group A, and comminuted fractures as group B. Internal fixation using reconstruction plate has been chosen for type A fracture. Type B has been treated by reconstruction plate fixation with PDS augmentations. Shoulder function, union time and complications has been studied according to the fracture type retrospectively. RESULTS: All cases had complete bone union with average union time of 8.6 weeks for type A and 8.9 weeks for type B. Weitzman functional evaluation did not show significant differences. CONCLUSION: PDS augmentation in comminuted midshaft fracture of clavicle easily fix the butterfly fragments with least soft tissue damage and lessen the bone graft. Therefore it considered to be one of the available treatment methods for comminuted midshaft fracture of clavicle.

Treatment of Humeral Shaft Fracture with Retrograde Flexible Nail

PURPOSE: To evaluate and report the clinical and radiological results of the intramedullary fixation by retrograde flexible nail in the humeral shaft fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2002 to May 2005, seventeen cases who had the humeral shaft fracture were treated with the intramedullary fixation by retrograde flexible nail. Fifteen cases were followed up and the clinical and radiological results were analyzed. RESULTS: All of the cases had satisfactory fracture union, and none of the patient had limitation in shoulder or elbow joint movement, and shoulder or elbow joint pain, and average ASES was 42.86 point. There was 1 case of delayed union, and 3 cases of distal nail displacement. Another severe complications were not occurred. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary fixation by retrograde flexible nail is one of the effective method in the humeral shaft fracture without nerve or vessel injuries, and also can avoid the complication of wide soft tissue incision or rotator cuff injury.