Objective To compare the results of plate and Kirschner wire fixation in treatment of nonunion of clavicular fracture. Methods From September 1991 to January 2002, 19 patients (9 with plate and 10 with Kirschner wire) were treated. The results were evaluated by reduction, bone union time, recovery of joint function, pain, and correction of deformation. Results The follow-up time was 6-23 months with an average of 11 months. Bone union -occurred after a mean time of 11 weeks. In plate group, 7 patients gained excellent results, 1 good and1 fair. In Kirschner wire group, 3 patients gained excellent results, 3 good, 3 fair and 1 poor. The result of plate is significantly better than that of Kirschner wire fixation(Plt;0.05). Conclusion Plate fixation is a good simple method for treatment of nonunion of clavicular fracture.
Objective To analyze the epidemiological features of clavicle fractures.Methods A total of 363 cases of clavicle fractures were treated from February 1993 to November 2002, their case history data were reviewed and evaluated by epidemiological method.Results Out of 363 cases, there were 269 males and 94 females, aged from new born to 96 years. The locations of fractures were on left side in 159 cases and on right side in 204 cases. Neonatal clavicle fracture occurred in the case of delivery (0.28%). The causes of disease for adult clavicle fractures were traffic injury (52.1%) and daily falling injury(31.1%). There were232 cases of simple fractures and 131 cases of comminuted fractures. The fracture positions included inner(6 cases), middle(328 cases) and outer parts(29 cases). Multiinjuries occurred in 78 cases, the rib fractures concomitant with clavicle fractures were the commonest(31 cases).Conclusion The clavicle fractures are the common injury. Of them, traffic injury and daily falling injury arethe most common. The rib fractures are always accompanied with clavicle fractures.The main position of fracture is on the middle part.