Is TENS a Good Treatment Option in Midshaft Clavicle Fractures? A Prospective Study of 30 Patients

Abstract

 Fractures of the clavicle are fairly common injuries and can be managed by both conservative and surgical means. Various fixation options are available for surgical management. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether TENS (Titanium elastic nailing system) was a good treatment option in the management of these fractures. 30 patients with midshaft fractures of the clavicle who presented between January 2012 to January 2015 were treated with TENS and were followed up over a 3year period. Functional evaluation was performed using the Oxford shoulder and the quickDASH score(Disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand).There was a male preponderance seen in our study with the left side being more commonly affected. The time taken to union of the fracture was 12.16 weeks. The average Oxford shoulder score was 46.4 and the mean quickDASH score was 6.9. All fractures united at the end of 6 months with minimal complications. TENS is a good minimally invasive option in the management of midshaft clavicle fractures and gives good cosmetic and functional results.