Treatment of clavicle fractures with closed reduction and titanium elastic nail fixation under precise guidance of intraoperative ultrasound / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To evaluate the precise guidance of intraoperative ultrasound for closed reduction and fixation with intramedullary titanium elastic nail (TEN) in the treatment of clavicle fractures.Methods:The data of 40 patients with fresh clavicle fracture were retrospectively analyzed who had undergone closed reduction and TEN fixation under precise guidance of intraoperative ultrasound at Department of Emergency Trauma, Shandong Wendeng Osteopathic Hospital from January 2017 to March 2019. They were 25 males and 15 females, aged from 25 to 68 years (average, 52.1 years), with 27 cases on the left side and 13 on the right. Reduction and fixation of the fracture was monitored during operation to avoid iatrogenic injuries to the subclavian brachial plexus nerve, subclavian artery and vein and thoracic cavity. The Neer scoring was used at the last follow-up to assess shoulder joint function and complications were recorded.Results:Closed reduction and TEN fixation was completed uneventfully in all the 40 patients under precise guidance of intraoperative ultrasound. The operation time ranged from 20 to 56 min, averaging 36 min; the blood loss from 10 to 35 mL, averaging 22 mL. No injury occurred to the subclavian brachial plexus, subclavian artery or vein, or thoracic cavity. The 40 patients were followed up for 4 to 6 months (average, 4.8 months). All fractures achieved bony union, with no displacement or breakage of internal fixation, or fracture malunion. At the last follow-up, the shoulder joint function was good, with Neer scores ranging from 85 to 95 points (average, 93.1 points).Conclusion:The precise guidance of intraoperative ultrasound improves surgical accuracy and safety, making the closed reduction and TEN fixation a safe and minimally invasive treatment for clavicle fractures.