To compare elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) with nonoperative treatment of fully displaced midshaft clavicular fractures in adults.
Design: The study was a randomized, controlled, clinical trial.
Setting: Level 1 trauma center.
Patients and Methods: 60 patients between 18 and 65 years of age participated and completed the study. They were randomized to either operative or nonoperative treatment with a 2-year follow-up.
Intervention: 30 patients were treated with a simple shoulder sling and 30 patients with ESIN within 3 days after trauma.
Main Outcome Measures: Complications after operative and nonoperative treatments, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and Constant Shoulder Score for outcome measurement, and clavicular shortening.
ESIN of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures resulted in a lower rate of nonunion and delayed union, a faster return to daily activities, and a better functional outcome. Clavicular shortening was significantly lower, and overall satisfaction was higher in the operative group.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.
To compare elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) with nonoperative treatment of fully displaced midshaft clavicular fractures in adults.
Design: The study was a randomized, controlled, clinical trial.
Setting: Level 1 trauma center.
Patients and Methods: 60 patients between 18 and 65 years of age participated and completed the study. They were randomized to either operative or nonoperative treatment with a 2-year follow-up.
Intervention: 30 patients were treated with a simple shoulder sling and 30 patients with ESIN within 3 days after trauma.
Main Outcome Measures: Complications after operative and nonoperative treatments, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and Constant Shoulder Score for outcome measurement, and clavicular shortening.
ESIN of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures resulted in a lower rate of nonunion and delayed union, a faster return to daily activities, and a better functional outcome. Clavicular shortening was significantly lower, and overall satisfaction was higher in the operative group.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.