Elastic stable intramedullary nailing is best for mid-shaft clavicular fractures without comminution: results in 60 patients

120 patients with displaced clavicular fractures were randomized to be treated with either a surgical procedure or non-operative treatment to determine the safety and eligibility for elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). After a 2 year follow up, ESIN treatment had faster osseous healing and better clavicular restoration for simple fractures. It also had fewer incidences of delayed and non unions, but more incidences on telescoping in complex fractures with severe post-traumatic shortening.