The definition and treatment of pediatric subtrochanteric femur fractures with titanium elastic nails

PURPOSE: Titanium elastic nailing (TEN) has become more common in the treatment of pediatric femur fractures in many European centers and in North America over the past several years. Prior studies have shown that the use of TEN for midshaft femur fractures results in excellent outcomes with an earlier return to activity, earlier mobilization, and a shortened hospital stay. However, subtrochanteric femur fractures continue to remain a difficult subset of fractures to care for, with loss of reduction and nonunion being significant complications. Studies have differed regarding the definition of pediatric subtrochanteric femur fractures. The purpose of this study is to establish a reproducible method of defining pediatric subtrochanteric fractures and then apply that definition in a retrospective review of 13 patients who sustained subtrochanteric femur fractures treated with TEN at North Carolina Baptist Hospital using a modified technique that allows for improved fracture stability. METHODS: Charts and radiographs were retrospectively reviewed for all pediatric patients sustaining subtrochanteric femur fractures treated with TEN from the period of 2000 to 2004 at Wake Forest University. The TEN outcome measures scale was applied to determine their results. RESULTS: TEN allowed rapid mobilization with excellent or satisfactory clinical and radiographic results in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the use of TEN for subtrochanteric femur fractures is a safe and effective method of fixation that benefits patients through early mobilization, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications. SIGNIFICANCE: By applying the definition of subtrochanteric femur fractures described by the authors, results of future studies can be objectively compared and classified. TEN is a safe and effective alternative for treating most pediatric subtrochanteric fractures by decreasing the morbidity that occurs with other treatment modalities.     

Titanium elastic nails for pediatric tibial shaft fractures

Purpose  The purpose of our study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of elastic stable intramedullary nailing for unstable pediatric tibial shaft fractures using titanium elastic nails (TENs). To our knowledge, this is the largest series reported in the literature of this specific fixation technique. Methods  We reviewed all children with tibial shaft fractures treated operatively at our tertiary care children's hospital to find those patients who underwent fixation with TENs. Between 1998 and 2005, we identified 19 consecutive patients who satisfied inclusion criteria. The average age of the patients in our series was 12.2 years (range 7.2–16 years), and mean follow-up was 15.7 months (range 6–28 months). Patient charts and radiographs were retrospectively reviewed to gather the clinical data. Outcomes were classified as excellent, satisfactory, or poor according to the Flynn classification for flexible nail fixation. Results  All patients achieved complete healing at a mean of 11.0 weeks (range 6–18 weeks). At final follow-up, mean angulation was 2° (range 0°–6°) in the sagittal plane and 3° in the coronal plane (range 0°–9°). Five patients (26%) complained of irritation at the nail entry site; there were no leg length discrepancies or physeal arrests as a result of treatment. Two patients required remanipulation after the index procedure to maintain adequate alignment. According to the Flynn classification, we had 12 excellent, six satisfactory, and one poor result. Conclusion  Although the indications for operative fixation of pediatric tibial shaft fractures are rare, occasionally surgical treatment is warranted. Based on our results, elastic stable intramedullary nailing with titanium elastic nails is an effective surgical technique which allows rapid healing of tibial shaft fractures with an acceptable rate of complications. No authors received any financial support or compensation for this study.     

Elastic nailing of tibia shaft fractures in young children up to 10 years of age

IntroductionAlthough tibia shaft fractures in children usually have satisfactory results after closed reduction and casting, there are several surgical indications, including associated fractures and soft tissue injuries such as open fractures. Titanium elastic nails (TENs) are often used for pediatric tibia fractures, and have the advantage of preserving the open physis. However, complications such as delayed union or nonunion are not uncommon in older children or open fractures. In the present study, we evaluated children up to 10 years of age with closed or open tibial shaft fractures treated with elastic nailing technique.MethodsA total of 16 tibia shaft fractures treated by elastic nailing from 2001 to 2013 were reviewed. The mean patient age at operation was 7 years (range: 5–10 years). Thirteen of 16 cases were open fractures (grade I: 4, grade II: 6, grade IIIA: 3 cases); the other cases had associated fractures that necessitated operative treatments. Closed, antegrade intramedullary nailing was used to insert two nails through the proximal tibial metaphysis. All patients were followed up for at least one year after the injury. Outcomes were evaluated using modified Flynn's criteria, including union, alignment, leg length discrepancies, and complications.ResultsAll fractures achieved union a mean of 16.1 weeks after surgery (range: 11–26 weeks). No patient reported knee pain or experienced any loss of knee or ankle motion. There was a case of superficial infection in a patient with grade III open fracture. Three patients reported soft tissue discomfort due to prominent TEN tips at the proximal insertion site, which required cutting the tip before union or removing the nail after union. At the last follow-up, there were no angular or rotational deformities over 10° in either the sagittal or coronal planes. With the exception of one case with an overgrowth of 15 mm, no patient showed shortening or overgrowth exceeding 10 mm. Among final outcomes, 15 were excellent and 1 was satisfactory.SummaryEven with open fractures or soft tissue injuries, elastic nailing can achieve satisfactory results in young children, with minimal complications of delayed bone healing, or infection.     

Titanium elastic nails for pediatric femur fractures: a multicenter study of early results with analysis of complications

Titanium elastic nailing is used instead of traction and casting in many European centers, but limited availability has prevented widespread use in North America. Before a planned general release in America, titanium elastic nails (TENs) were trialed at several major pediatric trauma centers. This multicenter study is a critical analysis of early results and complications of the initial experience. Overall, TENs allowed rapid mobilization with few complications. The results were excellent or satisfactory in 57 of the 58 cases. No child lost rotational alignment in the postoperative period. Irritation of the soft tissue near the knee by the nail tip occurred in four patients, leading to a deeper infection in two cases. As indications, implantation technique, and aftercare are refined, TENs may prove to be the ideal implant to stabilize many pediatric femur fractures, avoiding the prolonged immobilization and complications of traction and spica casting.     

Surgical treatment of traumatic pediatric humeral diaphyseal fractures with titanium elastic nails

Background  Nearly all pediatric humeral shaft fractures can be successfully treated with closed methods. Some patients, however, require internal fixation either because of an inability to maintain an adequate reduction, significant soft tissue injury, or concomitant fractures. Methods  This is a retrospective review of all traumatic humeral shaft fractures treated at our hospitals between 1999 and 2006. Thirteen pediatric patients ranging in age from 4.8 to 16.7 years (mean age 12.0 years) were treated surgically with titanium elastic nails (TENs). Relative surgical indications included open fractures, inability to maintain an acceptable reduction, the presence of ipsilateral forearm fractures (floating elbow), concomitant lower extremity fractures, and closed head injury. Two patients had associated radial nerve injury at presentation. Results  The patients were followed for a mean of 29 months. All fractures healed in good alignment. There were no intraoperative complications, including neurologic or vascular injury, and no patient developed an infection postoperatively. Two patients had nail migration, one of whom developed nail protrusion through the skin. One patient with preoperative radial nerve injury ultimately underwent tendon transfer to restore wrist extension. Of the 13 patients, 12 reported a full return to sports and other activities with no limitations or discomfort. Conclusions  When surgical stabilization of pediatric humeral shaft fractures is indicated, TEN fixation is effective and has a high rate of union and a low rate of complications. This technique is familiar to most orthopaedic surgeons treating pediatric fractures. Level of evidence  Level of evidence: IV (case series) This study was conducted at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Shriners Hospital for Children, and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.     

Closed/open reduction and titanium elastic nails for severely displaced proximal humeral fractures in children

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of closed/open reduction and titanium elastic nails (TENs) in children with severely displaced proximal humeral fractures.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed on 37 children suffering from proximal humeral fracture between April 2009 and July 2012. All these patients were treated by closed or open reduction with TEN fixation. The healing process was assessed by radiographic and clinical follow-up for up to 36 months. Radiographic assessment was performed on the scheduled follow-ups to examine fracture healing, remodelling, bone growth and residual deformity. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Neer shoulder score and patients’ satisfaction report at the final follow-up. Complications related to the treatment were also recorded.

Results

All patients had a mean follow-up period of 24 months (12–36) after surgery. All fractures were healed, radiologically, at a median time of eight weeks (seven to ten weeks). There were no major complications related to the treatment. Two patients complained about skin irritation around the sides of the prominent distal ends of the nails. Implant removal took place at an average of 5.8 months post-operatively as an outpatient procedure. There were no observed complications in association with the removal of the hardware. At the final follow-up, the mean Neer shoulder score was 96.65 (range 83–100). Thirty patients were very satisfied with their surgical outcomes and the remaining seven were satisfied. Function of the affected arm returned to normal at the end of the follow-up period in all cases.

Conclusions

Combining closed or open reduction with TEN fixation is recommended for treating severely displaced proximal humeral fractures in children. Our data showed evidence of satisfactory outcomes with a low complication rate and a fast return to normal mobility of the affected arms.     

钛制弹性钉与重建钢板在治疗移位锁骨中段骨折中的临床疗效比较

目的 比较钛制弹性钉(TEN)与重建钢板(RP)治疗移位锁骨中段骨折的疗效.方法 2005年1月至2007年7月,对采用TEN或RP治疗且获随访的141例锁骨中段移位骨折患者的资料进行回顾性分析,其中57例患者采用TEN治疗(TEN组),84例患者用3.5 mm RP治疗(RP组).比较两组患者的一般情况、术后并发症、术后6个月及术后2年Constant评分及臂、肩、手功能障碍(DASH)评分.结果 TEN组患者获24～41个月(平均30个月)随访,RP组患者获28～48个月(平均32个月)随访.影像学显示TEN组骨折愈合时间平均为(12.4±3.4)周,RP组平均为(14.4±3.7)周.两组患者骨不连和成角畸形短缩、内置物失败、感染、短暂性神经丛刺激症、内置物移位、皮肤刺激症等并发症的发生情况,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).TEN组有17例内置物移位,但程度轻,多数患者无临床症状.术后6个月随访时,TEN组患者DASH评分明显低于RP组(P＜0.05),而Constant 评分明显高于RP组(P＜0.05).术后2年时,两组患者的DASH评分和Constant评分差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).TEN组患者对术后肩部外形及综合结果较RP组更满意.结论 与RP相比,TEN治疗移位的锁骨中段骨折在术后早期功能锻炼及功能恢复方面有明显的优势.术后早期TEN组患者对肩部外形及术后综合结果方面更为满意.     

闭合/切开复位钛制弹性髓内针内固定治疗严重移位的儿童肱骨近端骨折

目的评估闭合/切开复位钛制弹性髓内针（titanium elastic nails,TENs）内固定治疗严重移位的儿童肱骨近端骨折的临床疗效。方法 2009年4月至2012年6月,对我院收治的37例严重移位的小儿肱骨近端骨折患者纳入回顾性研究。所有患者均接受了闭合/切开复位TEN内固定术,通过术后的影像学结果和临床随访实现对治疗效果的评价。影像学评估包括骨折愈合和塑形情况、骨骼生长情况、是否有残留畸形等。临床评估主要包括Neer肩关节评分和术后患者的满意度。结果所有患者的平均随访周期24.0个月,影像学愈合时间7-10周,平均8周,所有患者均已达到影像学愈合。没有发现与治疗相关的并发症,2例患者因髓内针尾残留过长而产生皮肤疼痛。内固定取出时间平均为术后5.8个月,没有发现与取内固定相关的并发症。随访终末,平均Neer肩关节评分为83.00-100.00分,平均96.65分。30例患者对手术效果表示非常满意,其余7例表示满意。在随访终末所有患者的上肢运动均恢复正常。结论闭合或切开复位TEN内固定术推荐用于严重移位的小儿肱骨近端骨折,这种术式的并发症发生率低,术后恢复速度快。     

Elastic stable intramedullary nailing of midclavicular fractures in adults: 32 patients followed for 1-5 years

Background Osteosynthesis of clavicular fractures is sometimes indicated. Since plate fixation may lead to complications, we have used elastic stable intramedullary nailing and report our experience of midclavicular fractures in 32 adults.

Patients and methods From 2000 to 2005, we treated 32 adults (26 men), median age 40 (19-66) years, by intramedullary nailing with a titanium elastic nail (TEN). All patients were re-examined after median 27 (12-59) months.

Results Nonunion was not observed. 20 clavicles healed without shortening. 12 clavicles healed with shortening of more than 5 mm. Migration of the TEN in 8 patients required secondary shortening of the nail in 5 of them. Nail breakage after fracture healing was observed twice. The nails were removed in 29 patients after a median of 6 (1.3-15) months postoperatively. No patient sustained a re-fracture after TEN removal. The mean Constant score was 95 (SD 1.9) points and the mean DASH score was 5 (SD 2.3) points.

Interpretation Intramedullary stabilization of midclavicular fractures with a titanium elastic nail is a minimally invasive technique with good cosmetic and functional results. Intramedullary fixation can be seen as an alternative to plate fixation and nonoperative treatment.     

Osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap: Its use without significant donor site morbidity

While the fasciocutaneous radial forearm free flap has gained increasing popularity, the osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap has been condemned because of a high rate of pathologic donor radius fracture. On the basis of studies that demonstrated increased strength in ostectomized radii after dynamic compression plating, we believed that internal fixation at the time of graft harvest would significantly reduce the incidence of donor radius fracture. This is a retrospective review of the first 54 patients undergoing osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap reconstruction of the head and neck at our institution; 52 underwent prophylactic plating of their donor radii. No clinically significant donor radius fractures have occurred in plated patients. Five asymptomatic fractures were discovered on routine radiographs and required no treatment. Objective evaluation of forearm range of motion and strength after graft harvest demonstrated excellent function compared with unoperated arms. Serial radiographs have shown remodeling and reconstitution of donor radii without localized osteopenia.     

钛制弹性髓内钉固定锁骨中段骨折的疗效

目的评价钛制弹性髓内钉(TEN)固定锁骨中段骨折的疗效。方法应用TEN治疗53例移位的锁骨中段骨折患者。对疼痛VAS评分、Constant评分、临床愈合时间、锁骨短缩程度和并发症等进行评估。结果53例均获随访,时间14～24(18.70±3.36)个月。骨折均获得临床及影像学愈合,愈合时间6～20(11.77±3.61)周。无感染、骨不连、髓内钉断裂和内固定取出后再骨折发生。术后3 d疼痛VAS评分较术前明显减轻(P<0.01)。术后6个月患肩Constant评分为92～100(97.96±2.06)分。结论 TEN治疗非粉碎的锁骨中段骨折微创、美观、功能恢复良好、并发症少。     

Can Complications of Titanium Elastic Nailing With End Cap for Clavicular Fractures Be Reduced?

Background  

We found treatment of clavicular midshaft fractures using titanium elastic nails (TENs) in combination with postoperative free ROM was associated with a complication rate of 78%. The use of end caps reduced the rate to 60%, which we still considered unacceptably high. Thus, we explored an alternative approach.     

钛弹性髓内钉治疗锁骨干骨折的临床应用

目的 :探讨钛弹性髓内钉(TEN)替代钢板微创治疗锁骨干骨折的疗效。方法 :自2010年2月至2013年2月,采用弹性髓内钉微创治疗62例锁骨干骨折患者,男27例,女35例;年龄15~62岁,平均37.6岁;病程1~9 d,平均2.7 d。39例闭合复位内固定成功,23例需要在骨折端作约3 cm切口辅助复位内固定。根据OTA(Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification)分型,简单骨折有5例06-A1,15例06-A2,11例06-A3,楔形骨折有4例06-B1,12例06-B2,15例06-B3。观察患者术后疼痛缓解情况进行VAS评分,记录手术时间、骨折愈合时间。术后6周及去除内固定后行肩关节Constant评分,术后6周行肩关节Herscovici评分。结果:除2例失访,2例未取内固定,3例骨折尚未愈合患者,其余55例患者获随访,平均随访时间11.4个月。患者术前患肩疼痛VAS评分5.20±0.71,术后第3天VAS评分1.55±0.59,疼痛缓解显著。手术时间15~65 min,平均40 min。骨折愈合时间2~5个月,平均(2.71±0.54)个月;简单骨折与楔形骨折、切开复位和闭合复位患者骨折愈合时间差异均无统计学意义。术后根据Herscovici标准评定患侧肩关节功能:优49例,良4例,可1例,差1例。肩关节Constant评分在术后6周简单骨折患者肩关节功能优于楔形骨折患者;在内固定取出后4周简单骨折和楔形骨折肩关节Constant评分无明星差异。结论:钛弹性髓内钉(ETN)治疗有移位的锁骨干骨折患者临床效果良好,疼痛缓解迅速,术后肩关节功能恢复快。对于OTA分型B型的粉碎骨折患者也能替代钢板取得很好效果,但是要掌握合适的适应证。     

Bilateral Monteggia fractures

The current concepts of anatomic and stable fixation followed by early mobilization in Monteggia fractures have clearly resulted in improvements in treatment and outcome. Bilateral Monteggia fractures are unusual and to the best of our knowledge have not been the subject of any reports in the literature. In this case report, we describe the operative technique for treating bilateral Monteggia fractures and the common pitfalls associated with this treatment. Despite the surgical and rehabilitative challenges posed by our patient's case, excellent results were obtained for both elbows.     

The double pin method in the treatment of fractures of the tibia and fibula

In fractures of the tibia and fibula with displacement, and those that have a tendency toward displacement, the double pin method is indicated. The advantages of this method are: (1) uniformity of procedure; (2) no operative team is necessary. Elaborate technic for reduction of fracture is done away with. (3) In our series, there has been no case of infection at the site of the Steinman pins. (4) Inasmuch as this method produces firm fixation, it has a particular advantage in the treatment of compound fractures. (5) The time and cost of hospitalization have been drastically reduced as compared with previous methods employed. (6) With the use of the double pin method we obtain firm immobilization of the fractured fragments as compared to the previous method of skeletal traction—suspension with one pin through the os calcis.     

Komplikationen nach intramedullärer Stabilisierung von Klavikulafrakturen

Background

Operative treatment of clavicle fractures by intramedullary nailing with titanium elastic nailing (TEN) has been established as an alternative to plate osteosynthesis for many years. The main complication after TEN osteosynthesis is nail migration. The goal of this study was evaluation of predictors for medial nail migration and comparison with plate osteosynthesis.

Material and methods

A retrospective analysis of electronic patient charts, surgical protocols and radiographs of all operatively treated clavicle shaft fractures between 2010–2014 (n = 141) was performed. When evaluating the patient charts and the surgical protocols special attention was paid to the fracture type, the duration of the operation, the need for an open reduction and the onset of complications as well as the duration until implant removal. Radiographs were analyzed concerning the implant location and an implant migration.

Results

Surgery time (39 vs. 83?min) as well as the time to implant removal (226 vs. 495 days) were significantly reduced (p = 0.00), while complication (39% vs. 21.4%) as well as reoperation rates (15% vs. 7.1%; p = 0.033) were increased in TEN compared to plate osteosynthesis. The main complication was medial nail migration. The following predictors regarding medial migration could be identified: open or closed reduction (p = 0.021), multifragmentary fractures (p = 0.049), oblique fractures (p = 0.08) and TEN thickness (33% at 2?mm, 0% at 3?mm).

Discussion

Advantages of TEN are a shorter surgery time as well as a shorter duration until implant removal. The TEN osteosynthesis led to a significantly increased complication rate, with nail migration representing the major reason. When predictors for medial TEN migration are considered, type B and C fractures can also be sufficiently treated by a large diameter TEN.

     

弹性髓内钉与接骨板治疗儿童股骨中上段骨折疗效比较

目的：比较弹性髓内钉与接骨板治疗儿童股骨中上段骨折的临床疗效.方法：自2006年1月至2012年8月对32例儿童股骨中上段骨折的患者随机抽签接受弹性髓内钉与接骨板治疗.弹性髓内钉治疗组19例,男11例,女8例;年龄3～11岁,平均（6.9±2.2）岁;AO分型：A型11例,B型6例,C型2例.接骨板组13例,男9例,女4例;年龄5～12岁,平均（7.5±2.1）岁;AO分型：A型3例,B型6例,C型4例.对两组患者的手术时间、术中出血量、手术切口长度、住院时间、骨折愈合时间、术后并发症、功能疗效等进行比较分析.结果：弹性髓内钉组平均随访时间25.3个月（15～48个月）,接骨板组平均随访时间21.6个月（13～36个月）.手术时间、住院时间、内固定取出时间、骨折愈合时间在弹性髓内钉组分别为（56.7±11.2） min、（6.6±3.9）d、（8.1±2.3）个月、（12.6±3.8）周,接骨板组分别为（51.5±8.3） min、（7.8±4.8）d、（7.8±1.6）个月、（11.8±2.8）周,两组比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.术中出血量、手术切口长度在弹性髓内钉组分别为（12.7±3.2） ml、（4.3±1.7） cm,均小于接骨板组（89.2±21.1） ml、（11.6±2.3） cm,两组比较差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.两组总并发症发生构成比比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.按Sanders疗效评定标准,弹性髓内钉组19例,优13例,良3例,可2例,差1例;接骨板组13例,优10例,良2例,可1例,两组比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.结论：弹性髓内钉和接骨板治疗儿童股骨中上段骨折各有优势,都可以得到很好的骨性愈合和功能恢复,临床选择何种治疗方式需根据骨折类型、体重、患儿家属意愿以及瘢痕大小等综合评估.     

Nursing problems in patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome in a Dutch burn centre: A 30-year retrospective study

ObjectiveMultiple studies have been published on toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnsen syndrome (SJS). Nursing care is an important part of the treatment of TEN patients. Unfortunately, limited information on nursing in TEN/SJS patients has been published in the current literature. Nursing research is needed to improve the complex nursing care required for these rare patients. Therefore, the objective was to assess nursing problems in TEN patients in a burn centre setting over a 30-year period.MethodsThe data for this study were gathered retrospectively from nursing records of all patients with TEN/SJS admitted to Burn Centre Rotterdam between January 1987 and December 2016. Dutch burn centres were recently accepted as expertise centres for TEN patients. Nursing problems were classified using the classification of nursing problems of the Dutch Nursing Society.ResultsA total of 69 patients were admitted with SJS/TEN. Fifty-nine patient files were available. The most frequently reported nursing problems (>20% of the patients) were wounds, threatened or disrupted vital functions, dehydration or fluid imbalance, pain, secretion problems and fever. Furthermore, TEN-specific nursing problems were documented, including oral mucosal lesions and ocular problems. The highest number of concomitant nursing problems occurred during the period between days three and 20 after onset of the disease and varied by nursing problem.ConclusionsThe most frequently reported nursing problems involved physical functions, especially on days three to 20 after onset of the disease. With this knowledge, we can start nursing interventions early in the treatment, address problems at the first sign and inform patients and their families or relatives of these issues early in the disease process. A next step to improve nursing care for TEN patients is to acquire knowledge on the optimal interventions for nursing problems.     

TEN弹性髓内钉治疗Pilon骨折并发腓骨骨折

目的:探讨TEN弹性髓内钉治疗Pilon骨折并发腓骨骨折的临床疗效。方法:2007年3月至2009年3月,20例Pilon骨折并发腓骨骨折患者,男14例,女6例;年龄35～70岁,平均42.6岁。左侧12例,右侧8例。应用TEN弹性髓内钉治疗。结果:术后随访6～23个月,平均11.6个月;患者术后2～3个月症状基本缓解并下床活动。按照Johner-Wruhs评价标准,优10例,良8例,中2例。未出现皮肤感染、坏死的病例。结论:TEN弹性髓内钉治疗Pilon骨折并发腓骨骨折,创伤小、愈合率高、皮肤软组织并发症少,是一种安全、有效的方法。     

Plate versus titanium elastic nail in treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures: A comparative study

Background:

With changing trends in treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures (DMCF), plating remains the standard procedure for fixation. An attracting alternative method of fixation is the titanium elastic nailing (TEN). However, prospective randomized studies comparing the two methods of fixation are lacking. We assessed the effectiveness of minimally invasive antegrade TEN and plating technique for the treatment of DMCF.

Materials and Methods:

80 unilateral displaced midclavicular fractures operated between October 2010 and May 2013 were included in study. This prospective comparative study was approved by the local ethical committee. Followups were at 2^nd and 6^th weeks and subsequently at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months postoperatively. Primary outcome was measured by the Constant score, union rate and difference in clavicular length after fracture union. Secondary outcome was measured by operative time, intraoperative blood loss, wound size, cosmetic results and complications.

Results:

During analysis, we had 37 patients in the plate group and 34 patients in the TEN group. There was no significant difference in Constant scores between the two groups. However, faster fracture union, lesser operative time, lesser blood loss, easier implant removal and fewer complications were noted in the TEN group.

Conclusion:

The use of minimally invasive antegrade TEN for fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures is recommended in view of faster fracture union, lesser morbidity, better cosmetic results, easier implant removal and fewer complications; although for comminuted fractures plating remains the procedure of choice.