We reviewed a series of sixty five patients who had a mid-shaft clavicular fracture and underwent intramedullary fixation with a transverse locking pin (EYE-PIN) which we developed in 1990. Intramedullary fixation has several advantages compared with other treatments, such as plate and screw fixation. However, when using a K-wire occasional problems with sliding occur. To overcome this defect, we developed the EYE-PIN. It has a ring hole at one end of the K-wire 2.2-3.0mm diameter. To prevent sliding out, the pin was locked by a screw in the ring hole after intramedullary fixing of the fracture. The number of pins used for the fixation (one or two) depends on the width of the intramedullary canal of the clavicle. EYE-PIN makes it possible to fix at two points (one end is fixed by a transverse screw, and the other is not penetrated but blocked by the cortex). None of the 65 patients who used the EYE-PIN developed sliding. 5 patients had delayed union, and 2 of these underwent reoperation. Finally, healing occurred in all patients. We conclude that the EYE-PIN is effective for almost all clavicular fractures, including comminuted ones.
