THE CLINICAL AND RADIOLOGICAL OUTCOMES OF THE USE OF ELASTIC INTRA-MEDULLARY NAILS IN THE FIXATION OF FRESH NON-COMMINUTED MID-SHAFT CLAVICLE FRACTURES IN ADULTS.

Abstract

Aim: Clavicular fractures make up 5% to 10% of all fractures and 35% to 45% of injuries to the shoulder girdle. About 80% of all clavicular fractures are mid-shaft fractures, with lateral third fractures coming in second (12%-15%) and medial third fractures coming in third (5%–6%). Conservative treatment, such as a figure-of-eight bandage, is typically used to treat non-displaced mid-clavicular fractures. Absolute indications for surgical treatment include the floating shoulder, impending or existing neurovascular impairment, and imminent skin perforation. Relative indications for surgical fixing include non-unions and severe displacement of fracture fragments. The most common surgical procedure is plate osteosynthesis, but this method has been linked to increased rates of complications. This study's objective is to assess the clinical and radiological results of employing elastic intra-medullary nails to treat adults with fresh, non-comminuted mid-shaft Clavicle fractures. Patients and Methods : A prospective study was conducted on 20 adult patients treated with an elastic intra-medullary nail for non-comminuted mid-shaft clavicle fractures between August 2021 and August 2022. Results : According to the Constant and Murley shoulder score, the mean score at the conclusion of the follow-up period was 93, with a range of 58 to 100. 13 of the patients (or 65%) had great results, 4 (20%) had good results, 2 (10%) had fair results, and 1 (or 5%) had subpar results. Conclusion : Using an intramedullary elastic nail to fixe non-comminuted mid-shaft clavicular fractures is a successful course of treatment in some circumstances. All of the cases included in the study experienced complete union over the follow-up period, and most of them had good range of motion, strength and cosmetically accepted scar.