Evaluation and comparison of the complications of internal fixation by TENS method and plate and screws method for clavicle fracture

Abstract

Background: Fractures of clavicle are common injuries with incidence of 2.6% of all fractures and 44% of all shoulder injuries. Better operative technique; improve metallurgy and availability of image intensifiers made the operative techniques as a method of first choice by more and more surgeons. So the study was conducted to evaluate and compare the complications of these two methods of fixation. Methodology: The study was conducted on 62 patients with fracture of clavicle. Selected patients were treated by, closed/open reduction & internal fixation by TENS and Group II by open reduction & internal fixation by plate& screws. Patients were followed periodically at 2weeks, 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months. Results were evaluated by Constant scoring system given by Murley (1987). Results: Overall plate had more intra op and post op complications like more blood loss, more operative time, superficial infections, deep infections, implant protuberance, ugly scar, difficult implant removal than TENS fixation. In this study nonunion was equal in both TENS and plate fixation groups. Conclusion: In our study no significant difference was found in function and nonunion rate in both the groups but major complications and union time are more in plate fixation group than TENS group so, TENS fixation is the preferred treatment of choice for fracture middle 1/3rd clavicle.