Titanium elastic nail system (TENS) in displaced clavicle midshaft fractures

Abstract

Introduction: Out of all fractures in adult, clavicle fractures accounts 3-5%. These fractures are usually managed conservatively but with changing trends the surgical management (plating) has been put into practice widely. TENS has been a recent alternative new technique of fixation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the minimally invasive method-TENS for the management of displaced midshaft non comminuted clavicle fractures. Materials and Methods: The study included total of 22 patients with displaced midshaft clavicle fracture. There were 16 males and 6 females. The mean age was 31.9 years. Most surgeries were done within 24 to 48 hrs. Patients were followed for 9 months. The union was assessed Clinico-Radiologically. Results: Average follow up was 9 months. 100% union was achieved. Clinical union occurred in 3-6 weeks, while radiographic union was achieved in 5-8 weeks. There was no postoperative infection in this study. Conclusion: TENS is safe and minimally invasive, needs lesser operative time and showed faster functional recovery with greater patient satisfaction with cosmosis.