OBJECTIVETo explore methods and clinical effects of composite external fixtor in treating adult patients with unstable middle 1/3 of clavicular fractures.

METHODSFrom March 2008 to March 2011,36 patients with unstable middle 1/3 of clavicular fractures were treated with composite external fixtor. There were 24 males and 12 females, aged from 18 to 55 years old with an average of 43 years old. Twenty cases on the left side and 16 cases on the right side. Time from injury to operation was 2 to 6 days (averaged 3.5 days). According to Robinson classification, there were 7 cases with type 2A2, 18 cases with type 2B1, and 11 cases with type 2B2. No vessels and nerve damage occurred before opreation. The clinical effects were evaluated according to Neer scoring.

RESULTSAll cases were followed up from 6 to 12 months with an average of 8 months. The mean Neer score was 88.3 +/- 6.2, which included pain 31.6 +/- 3.2, functional score 25.7 +/- 2.2, range of motion score 21.1 +/- 1.7, and anatomy score 8.8 +/- 0.8. There were 22 cases in excellent, good in 13, fair in 1. Two cases occurred pin tract infection.

CONCLUSIONComposite external fixtor is an optional method in treating unstable middle 1/3 of clavicular fracture, and can obtain a good clinical effects.