Tens Nailing in Fracture Clavicle – A Case Series

INTRODUCTION: Clavicle is one of the most commonly fractured bones accounting for 2.6 – 4 % of all the fractures. 69 – 82% of these occur in middle third of clavicle, 73 % of which are displaced midshaft clavicular fractures). Surgery has been indicated for displaced fractures of clavicle, one with NV compromise and skin tenting. Intramedullary fixation for clavicular fractures was first described by Peroni in 1950. The use of a TENS nail carries advantages of less soft tissue compromise, less operative time, better cosmetic results, load sharing fixation with relative stability that encourages copious callus formation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective review of 20 patients who presented to our institute between January 2021 and June 2022 with displaced midshaft clavicle fractures and treated with TENS nailing was carried out. All the patients had Constant Murley score and DASH score, which were done at 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: All the patients achieved clinical and radiological union at a mean of 19.6 ± 6.67.80% of the patient had excellent Constant Murley score on follow up. Based on the assessment parameters (Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand) Score, the mean DASH score was 25.03 ± 3.36 (range 20-30), 18.56 ± 3.46 (range 14-25) at the end of 6 weeks and 12 weeks respectively. CONCLUSION: The intramedullary fixation using TENS of midshaft clavicle fractures is a safe minimally invasive technique in indicated cases and in our hands, it provides good functional outcome and cosmetic results.