Abstract
Between May 1994 and April 1999, we treated 21 fractures of the middle third of the clavicle in 21 patients by fixation with 4mm intramedullary cannulated pin. All these fractures (8 displaced two-fragment fractures and 13 displaced and comminuted fractures) were retrospectively evaluated, both clinically and radiographically.
There were 17 men and 4 women. The average age at the time of operation was 46 years (12 to 72). There were 11 right- and 10 left-sided injuries. Most fractures were caused by traffic accidents (67%).
Twenty of the 21 fractures united. One patient had some evidence of brachial plexus irritation, and so the pin fixation had to be exchanged for the plate fixation. Four patients had local tenderness and 3 had cosmetic abnormalities. No patient had residual pain or impairment of range of movement and shoulder strength.
