Abstract

• PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Kirschner wire and additional wire fixation in clavicle lateral end fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 14 cases that were treated by Kirschner wire and wire fixation from January 1997 to May 1999 and followed up for more than 1 year. Average age was 42 years old(male 6, female 8). The fractures were classified according to Jager and Breitner classification : 2 cases of type 1, 5 of type 2a, 5 of type 2b, 2 of type 3. We used 3 types of fixation method : First, interfragment Kirschner wire and wire fixation in simple fracture. Second, first method was reinforced with transacromial Kirschner wire fixation in simple, but osteoporotic bone. Third, fracture was fixed by transacromial Kirschner wire and wire fixation in intraarticular or comminuted fracture. RESULTS: Bony union was obtained in all cases with average duration of 10 weeks. The functional result of shoulder was evaluated by the scoring system of Rowe : exellent 8, good 5, fair 1 case. The complications were pin migration 2, pin infection 1, shoulder LOM 3, traumatic acromioclavicular joint arthritis 2 cases. CONCLUSION: Appropriate use of three types of Kirschner wire and wire fixation technique according to location of fracture, degree of comminution can improve bony union rate and shoulder function.
• Key words: Lateral end of the Clavicle, fracture, Kirschner wire and wire fixation

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