Table 4

Level IV evidence study

CharacteristicChen et al.46
DesignProspective case series: intramedullary fixation
No. of intramedullary fixations41
Type of intramedullary fixationTitanium elastic nail
Follow-up, mean mo24 (7–24)
Major complication rate, no. (%)
 Bone-healing problem
  NonunionNA
  Delayed unionNA
  (Symptomatic) malunion3 (7)
 Infection, deep0
 Implant breakage/failure/irritation, mechanical failure0
 Refracture after pin removal0
Minor complication rate, no. (%)
 Implant breakage/failure/irritation
  Irritation8 (20)
  Migration/telescoping0
  (Medial/lateral) protrusion1 (2)
 Infection, wound0
 Routine nail removal41 (100)
 Nonroutine nail removal0
 Neurovascular problem
  Brachial plexus symptoms2 (5)
  Regional pain syndromeNA
 Intramedullary fixation device shorteningNA

  • NA = not applicable (complication not mentioned in study).