CASE STUDY OF TITANIUM ELASTIC NAIL FOR FRACTURES

Abstract

Mostly, clavicle fracture is treated conservatively but because of higher rates of delayed union, non-union, symptomatic, malunion cosmetic deformity and other complications, there is increased used of operative management for clavicle fracture. In this regard, plating and intramedullary nailing are common surgical options. The operative technique is also found to be producing favorable results compare to the traditional method based on recent prospective randomized studies. In this study, the objective is to make a comparison between clinical results, operative method, and resulting complications proportion. The study was conducted on 66 patients who had OTA type B DMCFs and underwent surgical fixation with antegrade TENs and 1/3^rd tubular plate. The study participants were divided in to two groups based on TENS and other with plate fixation with 1/3^rd tubular plate. We conducted evaluation using constant-murley shoulder outcome and dash scores at 6, 12, weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months for determining outcomes. It was observed that among TENS group, there was easier implant removal and minimal complications, less blood loss, lesser operating time, with only complication of shortening of about 0.5 cm in fewer cases. In the other group which is plate group, no major complications were observed except minor one such as deep infection, superficial infection, hypertrophied scarring without pain, and decreased shoulder motion with no case of shortening. In terms of union and stability, no significant differences were found in both groups. Based on the result, it is suggested that TENS is more preferable since it involves fewer morbidity, better cosmetic results, and easier implant removal. Fixation with plate seems to be little more stable and its implant of choice is comminuted fracture.