Surgical treatment of displaced clavicle fractures with a novel intramedullary device; comparison of less-invasive versus standard technique

Abstract

This study compared the standard technique with a less invasive technique for implantation of Sonoma Crx device in patients with displaced clavicle fractures. Patients were randomly allocated into two treatment groups based on the planned surgical method; Group 1 patients (n = 36) received the standard method whereas group 2 patients (n = 35) received the less invasive method originally developed by our team. Follow-up information included radiographic data, quick-DASH scoring, range of motion measurement and Constant shoulder score. The time of operation (p < 0.001) and mean time of fluoroscopy were significantly shorter (p < 0.001) in Group 1 vs. to Group 2. The mean time of hospital stay was significantly longer in Group 1 vs. Group 2 (p = 0.01). The time until bony union was slightly longer in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (p = 0.01). Sonoma Crx device can safely be implanted through a medial single incision with closed reduction.