Treatment of mid-shaft clavicle fractures: A comparative study.

We retrospectively evaluated 51 patients (17 in each of three groups) with mid shaft clavicle fractures. Group 1 underwent intramedullary stabilization using clavicle pins. Group 2 underwent open reduction and internal fixation using plates and group 3 underwent non operative treatment with a sling. Group1 patients progressed to union within 8 to 12 weeks. In Group 2, six patients had scar related pain and two had prominent metal work and discomfort and in group 3, three patients developed non union and one had symptomatic malunion. Our results suggest that the displaced and shortened midshaft clavicle fractures require operative fixation and the techniques of clavicle pinning resulted in less complications, short hospital stay and good functional outcome.