Comparison of Plate Versus Threaded K-wire for Fixation of Midshaft Clavicular Fractures

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare clinical outcomes of the plate and threaded K-wire for fixation of midshaft clavicular fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2005 Jan to 2009 May, medical records of 18 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation with plate (group 1) and 13 others who underwent intramedullary fixation with threaded K-wire (group 2) were reviewed. The mean follow up periods were 21.9 and 18.9months. The Functional results were evaluated with The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and Constant shoulder score. The statistical evaluation was assessed with Paired T-test, Chi-square test. RESULTS: The DASH score were 11.5+/-2.7 in group 1 and 12.4+/-4.3 in group 2. The constant shoulder score were 92.0+/-3.1 in group 1 and 87.1+/-2.8 in group 2. Length of surgical wound (cm) were 10.6+/-3.4 in group 1 and 4.8+/-1.5 in group 2. Postoperative pain and range of motion change were superior in group 1. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference between the two groups in functional and radiological results. But, there were patient's complaints about length of surgical wound in group 1 and hardware irritation in group 2.