Elastic intramedullary nailing of midclavicular fractures.

The majority of midclavicular fractures are treated conservatively. Fractures that require internal fixation are treated by plate osteosynthesis as the standard procedure. Elastic stable intramedullary nailing is an increasingly popular alternative for the internal fixation of displaced midclavicular fractures. In a three-year period, 15 fractures of the clavicle were treated by elastic intramedullary nailing. Fracture healing, clinical outcome and complications were assessed. Mean follow-up time was one year All fractures healed clinically and radiologically. Non-union or infections were not observed. Functional results according to the Constant score were excellent. Complications consisted of skin irritation in four cases. One acromioclavicular joint separation was observed postoperatively. Elastic stable intramedullary nailing of displaced midclavicular fractures is a minimally invasive technique with excellent functional results and early pain relief.