Anatomical study on self-made intramedullary nails for fixation of clavicular fractures / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To design an intramedullary nail that had the same ends and could be connected to hairline pointer and employ it to fixate mid-shaft clavicular fractures. Methods Sixty adult clavicles and five fresh adult cadaveric clavicles were employed to measure full length, angle between lateral and middle segments, angle between middle and medial segments as well as the narrowest outer and inner diameters of the clavicle. The interlocked intramedullary nail with the same structure of two ends was designed and used to fixate mid-shaft clavicular fractures. The nail was inserted in retrograde manner and locking screws could be inserted at beth ends. Results The full length, angle between lateral and middle segments, angle between middle and media] segments as well as the narrowest outer and inner diameters of the clavicle were (14.82 ± 1.15) cm, 30°, 30°, (1.00±0.16) cm and (0.50± 0. 18) cm respectively. After conversely placing guide pin from the 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 the clavicle, which was locked by interlocked screws. Conclusions Self-made nail takes advantages of less surgical invasion, visible fracture reduction and stable fracture fixation for treatment of mid-shaft clavicular fractures. While the biomechanieal properties of the nail need further investigation.