Midshaft clavicular non-unions treated with the Herbert cannulated bone screw

PURPOSE: To assess an alternative technique for the treatment of midshaft non-unions of the clavicle. METHODS: Five patients with symptomatic non-unions of the clavicle were treated with open reduction and intramedullary fixation by using a Herbert cannulated bone screw. Autogenous bone grafting was applied in one case and decortication in the other 4 cases. RESULTS: Review of the clinical and radiological documentation at a mean time of 13 months (range, 9-26 months) postoperatively shows that union was achieved in all 5 cases. There were no complications related to the operation, and no patient needed removal of the implant for protrusion, loosening, or any other cause. CONCLUSION: Midshaft non-unions of the clavicle can be treated successfully using the Herbert cannulated bone screw, which avoids the need for a second operation to remove the implant after bone union.