Biomechanical Evaluation of Fixation of Clavicular Fractures

Reproducible fractures of the midshaft of the clavicle were created in 14 fresh frozen human cadaveric clavicles. Under the three-point bending loading by a materials testing machine, the load to failure of fixation of the clavicular fractures treated with steel reconstruction plates (five specimens) and Herbert cannulated bone screw (nine specimens), was compared with a group control formed by five specimens of clavicles without osteosynthesis material. No statistically significant differences were observed between the three groups. In consequence and in terms of biomechanics, in clavicular acute fractures, both plating and intramedullary Herbert cannulated bone screw may be utilized in the treatment of these lesions. (Journal of the Southern Orthopaedic Association 11(3):148–152, 2002)