Antegrade Intramedullary Fixation for Clavicular Shaft Fracture: A Technical Trick

The standard open reduction and internal fixation technique with a plate and screws for a simple mid shaft clavicular fracture necessitates a relatively large incision and can also lead to variable amount of keloid scar formation. Historically, other techniques of more minimally invasive retrograde intramedullary fixation with the entry point posterolaterally on the shoulder have shown their own disadvantages and complications. We present a surgical technique of antegrade intramedullary fixation for mid shaft clavicular fractures and an illustrative case series.

Automated summary

The standard technique for treating simple mid shaft clavicular fractures, which involves open reduction and internal fixation with a plate and screws, often results in large incisions and keloid scar formation. Other minimally invasive techniques, such as retrograde intramedullary fixation with a posterolateral entry point on the shoulder, also have their own complications. This article presents a surgical technique of antegrade intramedullary fixation for mid shaft clavicular fractures, along with a case series.