PURPOSE To perform comparative analysis between the results of internal fixation using compression hip screw and cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty in unstable intertrochanteric fracture in elderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS From January 2001 to October 2006, we reviewd 73 patients, who were treated surgically for unstable intertrochanteric fractures, with a minimum of 2 years follow up. The patient's age was older than 60 year old. The patients were divided into two groups and evaluated, retrospectively. One group was treated with cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty (Group A, 34 cases), and the other group was treated with compression hip screw (Group B, 39 cases). We evaluated the amount of intraoperative bleeding, operative time, clinical results and complications between the two groups. RESULTS The amount of intraoperative bleeding and operative time were no statistically significant between the two groups. Group A showed a better result than Group B for clinical outcome using Johnson Daily Activity of Life. Complications in the group A were comprised of dislocation (1 case), nonunion of greater trochanter (1 case), infection (1 case) and loosening (1 case), and those in the group B were comprised of loss of fixation (8 cases) and infection (1 case). CONCLUSION We found that short-term outcomes of cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty for unstable intertrochanteric fractures were satisfactory. However, a longer-follow up period is necessary to clarify the efficacy of cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Early Rehabilitation in Elderly after Arthroplasty versus Internal Fixation for Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures of Femur: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Jun-Il Yoo, Yong-Chan Ha, Jae-young Lim, Hyun Kang, Byung-Ho Yoon, Hyunho Kim Journal of Korean Medical Science.2017; 32(5): 858. CrossRef
The Comparison of Compression Hip Screw and Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty for the Treatment of AO Type A2 Intertrochanteric Fractures Yee-Suk Kim, Jae-Seung Hur, Kyu-Tae Hwang, Il-Yong Choi, Young-Ho Kim Hip & Pelvis.2014; 26(2): 99. CrossRef
PURPOSE To find the factors influencing bone union in segmental tibial shaft fractures treated with interlocking intramedullary nailing, and to find the special attentions during operation based on this factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study made to investigate the medical records and plain radiograms of 32 patients who treated with interlocking intramedullary nailing. We statistically analyzed the correlation between bone union time and factors influencing bone union, including fracture site, fracture pattern, Melis type, open fracture, nail diameter, reaming, postoperative gap, postoperative angulation. RESULTS The factors that showed the significant difference statistically were fracture site, Melis type, open fracture, postoperative gap, postoperative angulation. The factors that showed no significant difference statistically were fracture pattern, nail diameter, reaming. CONCLUSION We recommend that surgeons should be considered the site and type, open fracure in preoperative stage. During operation, try to reduce it accurately without angulation and gap if possible. And so, the careful planing of treament can be expected with a high rate of union and a low rate of complication.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Outcomes and Analysis of Factors Affecting Bone Union after Interlocking Intramedullary Nailing in Segmental Tibia Fractures Sang Soo Park, Jun-Young Lee, Sang-Ho Ha, Sung-Hae Park Journal of the Korean Fracture Society.2013; 26(4): 275. CrossRef
PURPOSE We analyzed the results and complications of the treatment of segmental fractures of the tibia associated with periarticular fracture by using Ilizarov external fixator. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed 17 patients of segmental fractures of the tibia were treated by Ilizarov external fixator and were followed for a minimum one year. There were twelve closed fractures, three type 3A, and two type 3B open fractures. According to Melis classification, there were five type I, four type II, and eight type III. All closed fractures were reduced and fixed with Ilizarov external fixator within seven days. Open fractures were performed immediate wound irrigation and radical debridement and fixed with Ilizarov external fixator. Autogenous iliac bone graft was done in five severe comminuted fractures. Average time in bone graft was 7.5 weeks after operation. We analyzed bony union time according to configuration and site of the fractures, results of the treatment, and complications. The functional outome was assessed with rating system of Tucker. RESULTS In all cases, bony union was obtained, and average union time was 20.5 weeks. According to modified Melis classification, our results showed no difference between each criteria with respect to bony union and there was no difference bony union time between proximal and distal fracture site. There were two leg-length discrepancy less than 2 cm, one partial ankylosis of the knee joint, and ten pin tract infections. The functional results was excellent in 11 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in one case. CONCLUSION Ilizarov external fixator can be useful method for the treatment of segmental fractures of the tibia associated with juxtaarticular fracture in respect of bony union and functional results.
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to analyze the functional outcome and propose the guidelines in the surgical treatment of open type III tibial fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS We have analyzed the treatment results of 44cases; age was ranged from 15 to 76 years, and there were 35 males and 7 females. The type of fracture according to the classification by Gustilo revealed type IIIa 14 cases, type IIIb 20 cases and type IIIc in 8 cases. We analyzed functional outcome according to the classification of functional result by Tucker. RESULTS The average union time of type IIIa was 9.2 months, IIIb 11.0 months, and IIIc was 13.8 months. The rotational flap and free flap were done during treatment and bone lengthening especially in type IIIc. Functional results were poor especially in type IIIc. CONCLUSION Debridement of devitalized tissue, early soft tissue coverage and sufficient stability using intramedullary nails will be necessary in type IIIa fracture. Rigid external fixation, early soft tissue coverage by rotational muscle flap and free flap reduced infection rate with satisfactory functional outcome especially in type IIIb and IIIc fractures.
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of fibula stabilization on reduction and union time of tibial fracture, and change in ankle mortise in the treatment of distal tibiofibular fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed 23 cases with distal tibiofibula fracture; 10 cases were stabilized and 13 cases were not stabilized for the fibula fracture with reduction and stabilization for the tibia fracture. We analyzed the initial and last follow-up radiograph, and clinical functional outcome. RESULTS There were significant differences in the tibiofibular clear space and tibiofibular overlap between two groups and there were somewhat significant differences in the union time of the tibial fracture and ROM of ankle and pain of fracture site or ankle between two groups. But there were no significant differences in talo-crural angle and gap of tibial fracture site between two groups. Moreover, such factors as initial displacement, soft tissue damage, comminution of fracture were affected the union time and prognosis of a tibial fractures. CONCLUSION Fibular stabilization group was effective in the maintenance of ankle mortise but there was no difference in the functional outcome. Analysis for much more cases and long term follow-up will be necessary for the precise evaluation of the treatment results.
PURPOSE To analyze the clinical results and complications of the Ilizarov technique in the treatment of the tibial nonunion. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-seven patients who had infected nonunion of the tibia were managed with Ilizarov external fixator form January 1992 to January 1997. Types of nonunion were classified according to Paley and status of infection were divided into AO classification. We evaluated clinical outcomes and complications which were assessed with rating system of Paley. RESULTS All cases obtained bony union. The mean time to union was 11.5 months. On average, healing index was 51.4 days/cm(range 28-72 days/cm) and percentage of increment was 18.5 %(range, 13-31.5 %). According to Paley criteria, bone results were good to excellent in 22 cases(81.5 %), and functional results were good to excellent in 24 cases(88.9 %). Total thirty five complications were occurred, which were classified by Paley criteria, problems in 15 cases, obstacles in 17 cases, and complication in 3 case. CONCLUSION Ilizarov technique is a useful method in management of the tibial nonunion, but we have to consider the complications and endeavor to reduce them.
We designed this study to evaluate the functional outcome and to suggest the guidelines in the treatment of bilnalleolar ankle fractures with clinical and radiological analysis after operative treatment.
We analyzed 35 patients with bimalleolar fractures among 90 ankle fractures and followed up for more than 1 year. All 36 fractures were classified according to Lauge-Hansen system and the Meyer criteria was used for the clinical and radiological assessment.
Seventeen cases(47%) were supination-external rotation(47%), 9 cases(21%) were supination- adduction: 6 cases(17%) were pronation-abduction and 4 cases(11%) were pronation-external rotation type. Satisfactory results was obtained in 32 cases(89%) according to the criteria of Meyer in the viewpoint of clinical and radiological analysis.
Satisfactory results could be obtained with early anatomical reduction and rigid internal fixation for the treatment of bimalleolar ankle fractures. Distal tibiofibular syndesmosis disruption could be spontaneously reduced without trans-syndesmotic screw fixation by early open reduction and rigid internal fixation for the bimalleolar ankle fractures. Early and more accurate anatomical reduction can reduce the post-traumatic arthritis in cases with moderate talar displacement and open fractures.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
MANAGEMENT OF FRACTURES AROUND ANKLE JOINT Pagidimarri Manasa, Devarasetty Shanmukha Sreenivas, B. Someswara Reddy INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH.2021; : 14. CrossRef
The pupose of this study was to analyze influences on the bony union, to evaluate results and to consider effective methods of the treatment of infected nonunited fracture of the femur Seventeen patients who had infected nonunited fracture of the femur were managed from January 1989 to January 1996. We reviewed the results according to the method of treatment.
Fixation were judged to be unstable in all of patients who had undergone primary internal fixation so that we treated them with radical debridement of soft tissue and necrotic bone. The bacterial cultures usually revealed a mixed infection and the organisms cultured from the infected fracture site were, in order of frequency , Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas, and Enterococcus. At the time of final evaluation, functional results according to criteria of Sanders-Swiontkowski-Helfet were excellent in three, good in five, fair in four, and poor in five. The average motion of the knee joint ranged from 6.7(0-20) of extension to 75.5(50-130) of flexion. The five patients had shortening of affected limb (mean 1.8+/-.2cm).
Effective treatment of the infected non-union should be achieved not only bony union but also bacteriological and clinical remission of infection with subsequent closure of the wound and physical rehabilitation of the patient. Rigid internal fixation at the site of non-union can provide fracture healing as well as eradicate infection by improving the biologic environment.
The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the clinical results and to suggest appropriate treatment modality in the treatment of the fracture of talar neck. Twelve patients who had the fracture of talar neck were managed from October 1988 to April 1996 and followed more than 24 months. We reviewed the results according to the method of treatment, and complications following surgery. Three were treated with closed reduction and casting, one with closed reduction and K-wire fixation, eight were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. The functional result was excellent in 58.3 % and good in 33.3 % according to Hawkins criteria. Overall, there were three complications, one with skin necrosis on the incision site and the other two with subtalar arthritis. The treatment results were affected by the severity of trauma at the time of injury. Anatomical reduction by closed or open method, and stabilization with cast or rigid internal fixation could facilitate early mobilization and minimize postoperative complications in the treatment of talar neck fractures.
The treatment of segmental tibial shaft fractures poses many problems because of the serious damage to the surrounding soft tissue that usually occurs from the high-energy trauma, and the results are often unsatisfactory following lots of complications like non-union, delayed union, malunion, and infection We studied to evaluate the treatement results of interlocking intramedullary nailing for the segmental tibial shaft fractures. Twenty-two cases of segmental tibial shaft fractures were reviewed and we analyzed the results of surgical treatement in the viewpoint of bony union times, complication and its final outcome. The range of follow-up was 12 months to 68 months with mean 38 months follow-up. Most of the patients were between forty and sixty years, and average age was 47 years. Associated injury was incurred in nineteen cases with various musculoskeletal symptoms and signs. According to Meils classification, 8 were Type I, 1 was Type II and 3 were Type IV of the 12 closed fractures. Of the 10 open fractures, 4 were Type, 2 were Type II, 3 were Type IV, and 1 demonstrated multisegmental fractures. All of the closed fractures were united well except only one infected nonunion. The average time to union was 21.6 weeks with range from 16 to 26 weeks. The healing was tlowest in Type IV and fastest in Type I fractures. There was no significant difference in the healing time between the distal and proximal fractures. Of the 10 open fractures, each one of open type I fracture and open type II fractures did not united because of infected nonunion. The average time to union was 26.4 weeks with range from 16 to 38 weeks for the remaining 8 open fractures. The healing was slowest in Type IV and fastest in Type I fractures. There were 3 cases of infected nonunion, 1 case of delayed union of the proximal fracture and 1 case of valgus deformity of distal fracture. The infection was controlled and bone union obtained with removal of the nail and reaming, curettage and antibiotic bead wire, and plating with bone graft. We recommand that wherever poslible, interlocking intramedullary nailing can be used for the closed or open type I and II segmental tibial shaft fractures. And a high rate of union and a low rate of complication can be expected with this treatment modality.
We compared the clinical and radiographic outcomes between plate fixation and antegrade interlocking intramedullary fixation for humeral shaft fractures requiring operative intervention. Through retrospective, radomized comparative study, a total sixty adult patients have been reviewed. Thirty patients were treated with plate fixation, thirty another patients were treated with antegrade interlocking intramedullary fixation. Average follow-up time was two year and five months(range, one to four years). Average time to union was 10.8 weeks in plate fixation group and 16.9 weeks in intramedullary fixation group. Overall rate of union was 100% in plate fixation group and 90 % in intramedullary fixation group. According to Stewart and Hundleys functional assessment system, excellent or good results were obtained 29 cases(97%) in plate fixation group, 24 cases(80%) in interlocking intramedullary fixation group. In the plate group, only one fracture had deep infection but in the nail group, nine fractures had complications : three with nonunion, three with shoulder pain and limited ROM, two with intraoperative comminution and one with postoperative radial nerve palsy. There were some technical problems in antegrade intramedullay nailing such as difficulty proximal locking, failed expanlion of distal locking, iatrogenic fracture and distraction between fracture fragment. We concluded that the results after plate fixation have been shown to be preferable with respect to clinical and functional outcomes. In our study, the majority of circumstance requiring internal fixation, plate fixation is proferred and antegrade intramedullary fixation must be used in inevitable situation such as multiple trauma patients, fracture with overlying burns, patients with osteoporotic bone, pathologic fractures and segmental tractures.
Segmental femoral fractures are unusual injury caused by a severe force and associated with marked demage to the soft tissue, especially the quardriceps muscle. Intramedullary nailing is the most common treatment modality for the segmental femur fractures with high union rate and few complications. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of surgical treatment with interlocking intramedullary nailing for the segmental femoral fractures. We analyzed 23 consecutive segmental femoral fractures with static interlocking nail from May, 1989 to Feburary, 1997. Major associated injuries were sustained in 18 cases. There were 19 closed and 4 open fractures. Eighteen cases(78.3%) were done by closed technique and 5 cases(21.7%) were done by open technique. All fractures united at an average of 25.9 fractures. There were 3 malunion, 1 shortening(18mm) and stiffness of knee, 1 delayed union, and 1 limited motion of the knee. delayed union was treated by dynamization and autogenous bone graft, and additional intervention for union was unnecessary for the other problems.
Although interlocking intramedullary nailing for the segmental femoral fracture is a techniqually demanding procedure, we recommand that it is the treatment of choice for closed and open(open type I) segmental fractures of the femur.
The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the causes of the metal failures, and to suggest reasonable methods that can prevent metallic failures in the treamtnet of femur shaft fractures. There were 27 metal failures in 25 patient who underwent internal fixation for the femur shaft fracture between May of 1990 and May of 1996. We analyzed the causes of injury, fracture site, associated injury and used implants for the femur shaft fractures. And also analyzed the interval since operation to metal failure, method of treatment, and complications following surgery for the metallic failures. There were 13 stainless steel DCP(dynamic compression plate), 4 titanium LC(low contact)-DCP, 7 interlocking IM(intramedullary) nails, 2 Dutscher nails, and 1 anatomical plate. The metal failure occurred on average 6.1 months after internal fixation. Eight stainless steel DCP, 4 LC0DCP and 1 anatomical plate failed at the empty hole located at the fracture site. With interlocking IM nail, 4 cases of failure occurred at the proximal 1/3 of femur and other 3 cases showed failure on distal interlocking hole in distal femoral shaft fractures. All failures developed at the fracture site in kuntscher nail. For the treatment of metal failures, we used stainless steel DCP in 12 cases, interlocking IM nail in 7 cases, Kuntcher nail in 2 cases, Ender nail in 1 case, dual plate in 1 case, and external fixation in 2 cases. Autogenous cancellous iliac bone graft applied in 20 cases for the augmentation of frcture site or to fill the defect area. There were 2 cases of re-failure, 2 chronic osteomyelitis, 1 fracture site infection, 2 delayed union and knee joint ankylosis in 1 case. Accurate preoperative evaluation of fracture site, fracture pattern and proper implant selection will be essential for the prevention of metal failures. Minimal soft tissue dissection, anatomical reduction and rigid internal fixation will be necessary for the satisfactory outcome in the treatment of femur shaft fractures. Augmentation with autogenous cancellous bone graft should be followed after internal fixation for the comminuted fractures or bony defect over the fracture site. Postoperative rehabilitation program should be individualized according to the preoperative fracture pattern, used implant, and fracture stability.
Twenty-six adults who had concomitant ipsilateral shaft fracture of the humerus and forearm were managed with operative treatment. The mean age was 41 years (range 20 to 55 years), and the mean follow-up was 3.3 years (range 1.5 to 6 years). We reviewed initial soft tissue injury, presence of open fracture, and evaluted radiologic bone union. The functional outcome assessed with rating system of Lange and Foster, which is based on terms of fracture healing and functional restoration of the upper extremity. Overall rate of union for the humerus was 88.4 per cent, for the radius was 82.6 per cent and for the ulna 84.2 percent. We found no difference in average time to union between the treatment group with regard to open reduction and plate fixation or intramedullary nailing in the humerus and forearm bones (P>0.1, Wilcoxon signed rank test). But radiologic evaluation revealed a significant correlation between presence of open fracture and average time to union. The functional result was good in 12 cases (46%), fair in 6 cases(23%), and poor in 8 cases (31 %) according to Lange and Foster criteria. There were four nonunions of the humerus, three of the radius, and three of the ulna. Infection occurred three patients. Other complications were high radial nerve palsy in one case and above elbow amputation in one case. The results following injury were affected both by the severity of the initial trauma and by the treatment given. Best chance for a functional outcome will result from stable fixation of both the humeral and the forearm components.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Classic Floating Elbow in Adults: A Case Series Chul-Hyun Cho, Kyung-Keun Min Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow.2015; 18(1): 8. CrossRef
Twenty-seven adults who had a closed fracture of both bones of the forearm were managed with plate in twenty-four radial and twenty-three ulnar fracture. and with intramedullary nailing in three radial and four ulnar fractures. And were followed for a mean three years and two months(range, one year to six years). Standard anterioposterior and lateral radiographs were made of both forearms, and evaluated bone union that was qualified by measurement of the amount and location of the maximum radial bow in the relation to the contralateral normal ram. The functional outcome was assessed with rating system of Anderson, which is based on union of the fracture and rotation to the forearm, also with measurement of grip strength.
Overall rate of union for the radius was 92.5 per cent and for the ulna 96.2 per cent. Average time to union was 10.4 weeks in the radius and 10.3 weeks in the ulna. Twenty-three patients(84%) had an excellent, good, or acceptible functional results, according to the criteria of Anderson. At follow-up, the mean and standard error for motion of the elbow from 64.0+/-4.1 of pronation to 74.3+/-4.2 supination. Seventeen patients(63%) had a grip strength that was more than 80 per cent of that of the contralateral side. Mean maximal radial bow was 15.1+/-0.4 millimeter and mean location of radial bow was 61.2+/-1.1 per cent in the normal arm. There was good or excellent rotation of the forearm, the rotation was close to where it was in the normal extremity. When five radial and three ulnar transverse fractures which were treated with less than five-hole plate, radiographic union was delayed(mean 13.3 weeks) and less satisfactory restoration of the function were obtained. However eleven radial and nine ulnar transverse fractures which were treated with more than six-hole plate were all united(mean 10.2 weeks) and acceptible restoration of the function were obtained Overall, there were three nonunions(two radial and one ulnar fracture), and one infection. Restoration of the normal radial bow was related to functional outcome. A good functional result was associated with restoration of the normal amount and location of the radial bow. Plating with more than six cortex secured by screws on each side of the fracture, provided a successful method for obtaining union and optimum function after fractures of the foream.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Treatment of Forearm Shaft Fracture with Modified Interlocking Intramedullary Nail Kwang-Yul Kim, Moon-Sup Lim, Shin-Kwon Choi, Hyeong-Jo Yoon Journal of the Korean Fracture Society.2008; 21(2): 157. CrossRef
Interlocking intramedullary nailing has been popularized by its many advantages in the fracture treatment of long bone compared with the other fixatives. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the treatment results in the viewpoint of bone union, complication and functional outcomes of the interlocking intramedullary nailing between reamed and unlearned technique in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures. We reviewed 64 tibial shaft fracture that were treated at our hospital from May 1990 to February 1995 with interlorking intramedullary nailing that composed 36 reamed, and 28 unlearned cases. These included 33 open fractures and 34 closed fractures. There was no significant di florences in average prriod of radiologic union, complications and in the functional outcomes between the two treatment grovps(P<0.05). Unlearned interlocking intramedullary nailing in the tibial shaft fractures must be a goof treatment modality by its simplicity, shorter operation time, less probability in pulmonary and throrrlboembolic complications and less comprormised medullary blood supply, especially in patients with multiple trauma or open fractures.
In treating the patients having the intraarticular condylar fractures of the distal femur and the proximal tibia, many aulhors have recommended accurate anatomical reduction and rigid internal fixaion with early mobiliEation of the thee. But we cant often reduce the displaced bony fragments into the anatomical position and also fix them rigidly in severely comminuted and displaced fractures in proctice. Furthermore open wound makes surgeons face with some difficulties in using internal fixatives due to postoperative osteomyelitis.
We treated 16 cases of severely comminuted intraarticular fractures involving the knee with circular fikator from March, 1992 to October 1994. Those were composed of 8 intraarticular femoral condylar fractures in which 7 cases were classified as C3 by AO classification and 6 cases had open wound, and 8 intraarticular tibil condylar fractures in which 8 cases were classified as type VI by Schatzkers classification and 6 cases showed open fractures. We could get bony union in all cases but we were not satisfied with the functional results of the treatment. So, we recommend the circular external fixation as a method for the treatment of these severely comminuted fractures involving the knee, and we think that further study for improving the functional results will be needed.
Dislocation and fracture-dislocation fo the Tarsometatarsal joint were rare injuries, but an increase of motor vehicle accidents, industrial and athletic injuries seems to be responsible for an incresing incidence of these injuries. Because of the basic inherent stabilith of the bony architecture and the structures on the sole of the foot including the plantar fascia, the intrinsic foot muscles, peroneus, tibialis posterior tendon and the stronger plantar pligaments most dislocations occur in dorsal and lateral direction.
We report a case of 32 year-old male patient who had an isolated fracture and disloction of the first Tarsometatarsal joint with laterai and plantarward displacement. This developed by in-car accident and which did not fit to any proposed classification systems. The diagnosis was delayed because of the combined injuries, but with open reduction and internal fixation with 2 smooth K-wires, satisfactory results could at 12 moonths follow-up study.
There is still controversies in the method of surgical treatment for open tibia shaft fractures according to there degree of comminution and extent of soft tissue injury. It is generally accepted as open fracture type I, II can be treated with intramedullary nailing but there are so many suggestions for the type III fractures until now. We tried to evaluate the treatment result for the open tibia shaft fracture treated with intramedullary nailing or external fixatives with respect to seven parameters. time to union, tibial alignment, total number of operations, range of motion of the knee and ankle, pain, presence of infection, and complications. We retrospectively analyzed surgically treated sixty-sever tibia(sixty-six patients), forty-one tibia with extrernal fixatives and twenty-six tibia with intramedullaty nailing, at the Chonbuk University Hospital from January 1988 to December 1993 with mean follow up 32 months.
Traffic accident was the most common cause of fracture. In Gustilos classification, 21 were in type I, 18 were in type II and 28 were in type III. Intramedullary nailing should be a safe alternative to extemal fixation for type I, II and III-A open fractures. External fixatives could be used temporarily or permanently for the type III-B and III-C fractures.
There is still controversies in the treatment of clavicle fracture between conservative versus operative treatment. We reviewed one hundred thirth-six patients(141 cases) treated conservatively and operatively since February 1981 to September 1993 at Chonbuk National University Hospital. The mean follow-up was forth-six months ranging from six months to twelve years. Fifty cases treated surgically and ninty-one cases treated conservatively. In the surgical treatment group, mostly treated with intramedullary nailling with K-wires or Steinmann pin and plating with screws, with or without bone graft.
We tried to evaluate the result of treatment between these two treatment groups in the viewpoint of criteria of pain, deformity, limitation of motion, subjective symptoms and disturbance of daily activities and also in the viewpoint of complications like nonunion, malunion, motion limitaion, infection and metal failures. The most common complication of the conservative treatment was malunion and nonunion was the most common complication in the operative treatment. Satisfactory results obtained in 89% of operative treatment group in the functional group and 88% of operative treatment group in the functional evaluation scale.
Each clavicle fracture should be treated according to their degree of comminution, site of fracture, neurovascular injury, associated injury and doctors experience as which cases can promptly be treated either conservatively or operatively.
But we would like insist of surgical treatment for the cases necessitating surgery for the provention of nonunion, malunion and joint stiffness what are common complications in the conservative treatment of clavicle fractures.