Abstract
PURPOSE: To know the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure by analyzing the results of internal fixation with K-wires for clavicular shaft fractures in young women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients were followed for more than 1 year after the operation. All patients were female and average age was 28 years with average follow-up of 14 months. All cases were displaced fractures of the middle third with tenting of the skin and 2 cases were type 1 open fractures. After the operation, we investigated time to union, changes of K-wire, scar and disadvantages periodically.
RESULTS: There was no nonunion and time to union averaged 11.8 weeks. Migration and bending of the K-wires occured in one case. The length of surgical scar was about 4cm and the K-wires were easily removed under local anesthesia. But all patients complained of frequent radiographic evaluation, relatively long period of immobilization and irritation of the K-wires on medial part of the clavicle.
CONCLUSION: We think that internal fixation with the K-wires is one of the effective treatment options for the clavicular shaft fractures in young women.