[Clinical application of bridge-link combined fixation system for adult mid-shaft clavicle fractures]

Abstract

Objective: To explore clinical efficacy of bridge-link combined fixation system for adult mid-shaft clavicle fractures.

Methods: From January 2016 to August 2016, 28 patients with mid-shaft clavicle fractures were treated by bridge-link combined fixation system, including 15 males and 13 females, aged from 27 to 82 years old with an average of(48.50±15.34) years old; the courses of disease was for 13 to 15 months with an average of (14.17±0.77) months. Fracture healing time and complication were observed, postoperative and postoperative Constant function score of shoulder joint at 1, 3 and 13 months and were compared.

Results: All patients were followed up for 13 to 15 months with an average of (14.17±0.77) months. Twenty-eight patients achieved clinical fracture healing without infection, bone un-union, delayed union, breakage of internal fixation and re-fracture after removing of the internal fixation occurred. Fracture healing time ranged from 2.5 to 4 months with (3.05±0.44) months. Postoperative Constant score at 1, 3 and 13 months were 76.57±4.70, 90.75±3.62, 96.07±2.40 respectively, and had significant difference compared with before operation(58.36±4.98).

Conclusions: Bridge-link combined fixation system could be used as a new internal fixation for adult mid-shaft clavicle fractures, which has advantages of rapid recovery, less complications, and could reduce incidence of breakage of internal fixation, osteoporosis, re-fractures after removing the internal fixation.

Keywords: Clavicle; Fracture fixation; Fractures; Open fracture reduction.