[Comparison of plate and Kirschner wire fixation in treatment of clavicular nonunion].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results of plate and Kirschner wire fixation in treatment of nonunion of clavicular fracture.

METHODS: From September 1991 to January 2002, 19 patients (9 with plate and 10 with Kirschner wire) were treated. The results were evaluated by reduction, bone union time, recovery of joint function, pain, and correction of deformation.

RESULTS: The follow-up time was 6-23 months with an average of 11 months. Bone union occurred after a mean time of 11 weeks. In plate group, 7 patients gained excellent results, 1 good and 1 fair. In Kirschner wire group, 3 patients gained excellent results, 3 good, 3 fair and 1 poor. The result of plate is significantly better than that of Kirschner wire fixation(P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Plate fixation is a good simple method for treatment of nonunion of clavicular fracture.