Functional outcome after surgical fixation of middle third clavicular fractures by titanium elastic nailing system (TENS): A prospective study

Abstract

This study is based on the technique of minimally-invasive osteosynthesis using Titanium elastic nails (TENS) in OTA Type a midclavicular fractures with displacement or shortening more than 2 cm. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the operative technique and post-operative outcome after fixation of displaced midclavicular fractures with TENS. The study was carried out on 21 cases at, Bangalore medical College and research Institute for a period of 1 year. The mean age of all patients was 29 ± 11.25 years.All cases were treated with open reduction. Clinical union was seen at 7.8 ± 3.2 weeks (range 6-12 weeks) in all cases and the mean time for radiological union 19.8 ± 16.47 weeks (range 12-24 weeks). The functional outcome was measured using DASH and Constant Shoulder score. Results of our study showed that the Titanium Elastic Nail is an excellent implant for achieving reduction and union middle one third clavicular fractures with minimal surgical exposure during fixation and implant removal, minimal complications, and early rehabilitation.