J Korean Fract Soc.  2012 Jan;25(1):31-37. 10.12671/jkfs.2012.25.1.31.

Surgical Techniques for Percutaneous Reduction by Towel Clips and Percutaneous Intramedullary Fixation with Steinmann Pins for Clavicle Shaft Fractures

• Hong KD
• Sim JC
• Ha SS
• Kim TH
• Kim JH
• Lee JS

• KMID: 1434108
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2012.25.1.31

Abstract

PURPOSE
To report the clinical results of surgical treatment of clavicle shaft fracture by percutaneous reduction with towel clips and percutaneous intramedullary pin fixation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study reviewed the results of 80 cases of clavicle shaft fracture treated by percutaneous reduction with towel clips and percutaneous intramedullary pin fixation with Steinmann pins from January 2002 to August 2010, after follow-up for 12 months or more. We evaluated the clinical results, such as union time and complications.
RESULTS
Bone union was evident in all cases and the mean time for bone union to appear on radiological findings was 10.3 weeks. Using Kang's criteria, 78 of the 80 patients (97.5%) showed good results and there were no severe complications.
CONCLUSION
Percutaneous reduction with towel clips and the percutaneous intramedullary pin fixation method showed good results for treating clavicle shaft fracture.

Keyword

Clavicle shaft fracture; Reduction with towel clip; Percutaneous intramedullary pin fixation

MeSH Terms

Clavicle
Follow-Up Studies
Humans

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The picture and the radiograph shows the percutaneous insertion of Steinmann pin into the intramedullary canal under the fluoroscopic guidance from the fracture side to the medial end.

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  Fig. 2 The picture and the radiograph shows reduction of the clavicle fracture with towel clip.

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  Fig. 3 The picture and the radiograph shows retrograde reinsertion of Steinmann pin after reduction of the fracture site under the fluoroscopic guide.

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  Fig. 4 The picture shows bending the remnant part of Steinmann pin.

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  Fig. 5 (A) The radiograph shows the displaced clavicle shaft fracture as Robinson classification type 2B1 (B) Immediate postoperative radiograph shows well reducted clavicle with percutaneous Steinmann pin fixation. (C) Postoperative 12 weeks radiograph shows bone union.

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  Fig. 6 (A) Preoperative 3D computerized tomography shows displaced clavicle shaft fracture with double butterfly fragment as Robinson classification type 2B2. (B) Immediate postoperative radiograph shows well reducted clavicle fracture with double butterfly fragments with Steinmann pin. (C) Postoperative 12 weeks radiograph shows complete bone union with butterfly fragments and complete remodeling of clavicle fracture.

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  Fig. 7 (A) The radiograph shows the displaced clavicle shaft fracture as Robinson classification type 2B1. (B) The radiograph shows the bended Steinmann pin due to slip down on 2 weeks after operation. (C) Postoperative 12 weeks radiograph shows bone union and remodeling without any other procedure.

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