Transacromial Knowles pin in the treatment of Neer type 2 distal clavicle fracturesA prospective evaluation of 32 cases.
BACKGROUND
The high rate of non-union makes surgical intervention necessary for a distal clavicle fracture. This report presents the outcome of a simple surgical method using a transacrominal Knowles pin for this unstable fracture.


METHODS
In this study, 32 patients with Neer type 2 distal clavicle fractures were treated using a single transacromial Knowles pin without repair of the torn ligament. All 32 patients were studied prospectively and followed up for a mean of 80 months (range, 12-132 months). The clinical outcome was evaluated with the UCLA score, and the fracture union was judged roentgenographically.


RESULTS
All the patients showed excellent results with solid union. The mean union time was 6.8 weeks (range, 4-12 weeks). No major complication was noted, and only one asymptomatic acromioclavicular arthrosis developed.


CONCLUSIONS
Single transacrominal Knowles pin fixation offers a simple and safe method for treating patients with displaced Neer type 2 distal clavicle fractures.
Fann
Cheng-Yuh
CY
Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Chiu
Fang-Yao
FY
Chuang
Tien-Yow
TY
Chen
Chuan-Mu
CM
Chen
Tain-Hsiung
TH
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000173:Acromioclavicular Joint; D000174:Acromion / Q000601:surgery*; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001858:Bone Nails / Q000592:standards*; D002968:Clavicle / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D016896:Treatment Outcome