Jerome J. Wenninger Jr., PA-C; Joseph H. Dannenbaum, MD; Joanna G. Branstetter,
MD; and Edward D. Arrington, MD
Comparison of Complication Rates of Intramedullary Pin Fixation Versus Plating of Midshaft Clavicle Fractures in an Active Duty Military Population
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Military service members have increased requirements of shoulder weight bearing to perform duties. Operative intervention has increased for treatment of displaced middle one-third clavicle fractures. Complications of operatively treated clavicle fixation have not been extensively studied. A retrospective, longitudinal cohort chart evaluation was conducted of all active duty members undergoing fixation of middle one-third clavicle fractures, for complications between intramedullary pin fixation and plate constructs. This review found 62 patients meeting inclusion criteria. Thirty-three patients underwent intramedullary pin fixation with Hagie pins and 31 patients underwent precontoured superior clavicle plate fixation of their middle one-third clavicle fractures. Complications included wound infection, skin and/or soft tissue irritation, and need for unplanned hardware removal. The overall complication rate was 31% in the plate fixation group versus 9% in the intramedullary pin group (p D .024). All patients achieved fracture union with return to duty; however, increased overall complications were seen in the plate fixation group. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 22(1):77–81, 2013)