Outcome analysis of plate versus intramedullary devices for mid shaft clavicle fractures

Abstract

Background: Management of mid shaft of clavicle fracture depends on fracture pattern. Intramedullary devices can’t be used for communited clavicle fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of intramedullary device and plating in mid shaft of clavicle fractures and to compare the results with studies of other author as available in literature.Methods: This was a prospective study of 30 patients with mid shaft of clavicle fracture conducted between March 2022 and march 2023 with a follow up period of 1 year and all patients were assessed by the DASH score.Results: both groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, side predominance and mode of injury. The mean age of the patients was 47.16 years ranging from 22 to 69 years. The average time to clinical union of the fracture was 11.1 weeks ranging from 7 to 15 weeks. There was a significant statistical difference in patients who underwent plating in fracture union and radiation exposure with P value < 0.001. the time to union was shorter in patients who underwent plating and DASH score in both groups improved over the course of follow up till one year.Conclusion: By this study we conclude that plating of mid shaft of clavicle fracture is good viable option in the management of these fractures and has advantages over intramedullary devices in terms of stable fracture fixation, less radiation exposure and earlier time to fracture union by employing biological principles of fracture fixation and gives good functional results.