Use of Composite Wiring on Surgical Treatments of Clavicle Shaft Fractures

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To introduce the technique of reducing displaced or comminuted clavicle shaft fracture using composite wiring and report the clinical results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2006 and December 2013, 31 consecutive displaced clavicle fractures (Edinburgh classification 2B) treated by anatomic reduction and internal fixation using composite wiring and plates were retrospectively evaluated. The fracture fragments were anatomically reduced and fixed with composite-wiring. An additional plate was applied. Radiographic assessments for the numbers of fragments, size of each fragment and amount of shortening and displacement were performed. The duration for fracture union and complications were investigated retrospectively. The mean fallow-up duration was 15.9 months. RESULTS: The mean number of fragments was 1.7 (1-3) and the mean width of fracture fragment was 7.1 mm (4.5-10.6 mm). The mean shortening of the clavicle was 20.5 mm (10.3-36.2 mm). The mean number of composite wires used in fixation was 1.9 (1-3). Radiographic union was achieved in all patients with a mean time to union of 11.6 weeks. There were no complications including metal failure, pin migration, nonunion, or infection. CONCLUSION: The composite wiring was suitable for fixation of small fracture fragment and did not interfere with the union, indicating that it is useful for treatment of clavicle shaft fracture.