OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility and clinical effects of titanium elastic nails (TEN) for adolescent clavicular fracture.

METHODSFrom October 2008 to November 2009, 17 adolescent patients with clavicular fracture were treated with internal fixation, including 11 males and 5 females who ranged in age from 12 to 18 years (mean 15.3 years). The mean time from injury to surgery was 3.5 days (2-7 days). Constant function score before surgery and that 3 months after surgery and shoulder ROM before surgery and that 2 months after surgery were compared. Fracture reduction and healing were followed up by X-rays to analyze internal fixation with the TEN technique.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up for a mean of 6.5 months (range 3-8 months), during which no infection, TEN fracture or skin bursting was observed. The Constant score rose from preoperative (45.3 +/- 6.1) to (85.6 +/- 4.3) at 3-month follow up (t = 22.164, P < 0.01),and the shoulder activity degree at 2-week follow up was improved obviosly from preoperative (P < 0.01). X-ray at 12-16 weeks after surgery showed good bone healing and recovery of shoulder function.

CONCLUSIONInternal fixation with TEN in the treatment of adolescent clavicular fracture is safe, minimally invasive,reliable and cosmetic. This technique provides a liable ption for the treatment of adolescent clavicular fractire