title: Comparison of complication rates of intramedullary pin fixation versus plating of midshaft clavicle fractures in an active duty military population.
abstract: Military service members have increased requirements of shoulder weight bearing to perform duties. Operative intervention has increased for treatment of displaced middle one-third clavicle fractures. Complications of operatively treated clavicle fixation have not been extensively studied. A retrospective, longitudinal cohort chart evaluation was conducted of all active duty members undergoing fixation of middle one-third clavicle fractures, for complications between intramedullary pin fixation and plate constructs. This review found 62 patients meeting inclusion criteria. Thirty-three patients underwent intramedullary pin fixation with Hagie pins and 31 patients underwent precontoured superior clavicle plate fixation of their middle one-third clavicle fractures. Complications included wound infection, skin and/or soft tissue irritation, and need for unplanned hardware removal. The overall complication rate was 31% in the plate fixation group versus 9% in the intramedullary pin group (p = .024). All patients achieved fracture union with return to duty; however, increased overall complications were seen in the plate fixation group.
authors: Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, USA.
authors: Jerome J
authors: JJ
authors: Wenninger
authors: Joseph H
authors: JH
authors: Dannenbaum
authors: Joanna G
authors: JG
authors: Branstetter
authors: Edward D
authors: ED
authors: Arrington
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D002968:Clavicle / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult