TENSION BAND WIRING (TBW) OF DISTAL END CLAVICLE : A FORGOTTEN TECHNIQUE : SIMPLER, CHEAPER AND BETTER

Clavicle fracture is a common injury, and can be classified into middle third, medial third, and distal third fractures. Only 10-15% of clavicle fracture occur in the distal third segment. Neer classified the distal clavicle fracture into five types ; type II and V are unstable and requiring fixation . Various common methods of stabilizations are introduced such as K-wiring , tension band fixation , plate fixation, osteosynthesis with hook plate and coracoclavicular screw however all those operative methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We presented a case of 21 years old male with left shoulder pain after motor vehicle accident. Examination revealed tenderness on his left shoulder, and radiograph showed fracture of distal end left clavicle Neer type II, requiring fixation. He was counselled for lateral extension clavicle locking plate but unable to pay due to financial constraint. RESULTS: The patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation using Kirschner wire with tension band fixation . The fracture site was visualized and the hematoma was curetted and washed. The fracture was reduced and fixed with two 1.4 mm trans-acromial Krischner wires and the reduction was checked with an image intensifier. Then the TBW is applied using stainless steel wire size 1.0 . The K-wires are bent beneath the skin. Sling immobilization is used for 2 weeks after the operation. Unrestricted tolerable shoulder motion is permitted. Stretched and exertional exercise is allowed after radiography shows osseous union and the implants are removed. DISCUSSIONS: TBW is widely employed to treat limb fractures, such as patella and olecranon fracture but seldom used for distal clavicle nowadays. The advantages of TBW are higher antirotation and antibending force compared with that in K-wire fixation and lower profile compared with the bone plate, which reduces tendon irritation and prominent implant. The use of K-wires and TBW also required only the exposure of the fracture site. The soft tissue around the clavicle incurred little damage, leading to a lower infection rate. In addition, the use of K-wires and TBWs can provide a more rigid fixation than K-wires only. Rigid fixation with little complication contributes to good results . CONCLUSION: Surgical management is recommended for unstable distal clavicle fracture. TBW can be preferred because of the simplicity of the procedure, low cost, simple hardware, high union rate and easy availability of the implant.