Treatment of middle clavicle fractures in older children with incisional resorption and resorbable rib nail fixation

  Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect of incisional resorption resorbable rib nailing in the treatment of completely misaligned middle clavicle fractures in older children.  Methods From January 2007 to January 2009, 6 cases of middle clavicle fractures in older children with complete malalignment were treated with incisional repositioning and resorbable rib nail fixation. An anterior approach to the clavicle was used for incisional repositioning and resorbable rib nail fixation. Postoperative triangular scarf suspension was used for 4 weeks.  Results All 6 children with clavicle fractures healed with a mean healing time of 4 weeks and good function. 6 cases were followed up for 6 months to 26 months with a mean of 10 months. There were no complications such as delayed fracture healing, nonunion, subcutaneous fluid accumulation, and postoperative fracture redisplacement.  Conclusion The incisional resorption resorbable rib nail has good clinical application value in treating completely misaligned middle clavicle fractures in older children, no human adverse effects, can eliminate the pain of secondary surgery for patients, and has satisfactory efficacy, which is a better method for treating middle clavicle fractures in older children.