A Prospective Comparison Of Shape Memory Alloy Embracing Fixator And Reconstruction Plate Fixation Treatments Of Midclavicular Fractures

Objective The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical outcome of shape memory alloy (SMA) embracing fixator and reconstruction plate fixation in displaced or comminuted midshaft clavicle fracture.Methods There were 65 patients with displaced or comminuted midclavicular fractures surgically treated with either a shape memory alloy embracing fixator or a reconstruction plate. There were 30 patients in the shape memory alloy embracing fixator group, with an average age of 28.1 years. The reconstruction plate group included 35 patients, with an average age of 26.1 years. All cases were followed up for 12 months with a shoulder score evaluation.Results SMA embracing fixator has a significantly shorter operation time, smaller wound incision, less loss blood (all P<0.05). Time of stay in hospital, hospital expenditures, the shoulder score and union rate are not significantly different between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions The internal fixation with SMA embracing fixator has more advantages than reconstruction plate fixation in the surgery of midclavicular fractures.