Comparison of the clinical efficacy of three internal fixation methods in the treatment of Edinburgh type IB fractures of the proximal clavicle.

Clavicle fractures are one of the most common fractures and usually occur in the medial third of the clavicle. The study explored the efficacy of three internal fixation methods to treat Edinburgh IB fractures of the proximal clavicle. 68 patients with Edinburgh IB fractures of the proximal clavicle were divided into T-shaped plate group, double-miniature steel plate group and memory alloy embracing device group. Postoperative complications, return time to work, and fracture healing time were recorded. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by Constant-Murley score of shoulder joint, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score of pain, and arm-shoulder-hand dysfunction score. The operative time of the memory alloy embracing device group was significantly better than T-shaped plate group and double-miniature steel plate group. The length of surgical incision in the double-miniature steel plate group was significantly shorter than that in the T-shaped plate group and the memory alloy embracing device group. The hospitalization cost and recovery time of the double-plate and memory alloy hug groups were lower than those of the T-plate group. The double-miniature steel plate group and the memory alloy embracing device group were significantly better than the T-shaped plate group at two weeks after operation. Satisfactory clinical results can be obtained by using T-shaped plate, double-miniature steel plate and memory alloy embracing device in the treatment of Edinburgh IB fracture of proximal clavicle. However, the double-miniature steel plate group has the advantages of small incision, low cost, and quick postoperative recovery, and has more early advantages.