Experimental study on fixation of clavicular fractures using self-made intramedullary nails / 中国矫形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

[Objective]To design an intramedullary nail for mid-shaft clavicular fractures based on the anatomic study of human clavicles.[Method]Sixty adult clavicles and 5 fresh cadaveric clavicles were used to survey data about full length,angle between lateral and middle segments,angle between middle and medial segments and the narrowest outer and inner diameter of clavicle.The designed interlocked intramedullary nail was used to fix mid-shaft clavicular fractures.[Result]The full length of clavicle was about(14.82?1.15) cm.The included angle between lateral and middle segment and included angle between middle and medial segment were all about 30?,the narrowest outer diameter of clavicle was about(1.00~0.16) cm,the narrowest inner diameter of clavicle was about(0.50~0.18) cm.After conversely placing guide pin from fracture end,expanding medullary cavity and adjusting the nail,the designed nail was inserted into the medullary cavity from the distal or proximal ends of clavicle,and the proximal and distal ends of the nail were locked by interlocked screws at last.[Conclusion]Treatment of mid-shaft clavicular fractures with the self-made nail has such advantages as less surgical invasion,visible fracture reduction and stable fracture fixation.The biomechanical properties of the nail will be further investigated.