Table 2

Level II evidence study

CharacteristicWitzel et al.45
DesignRCT: intramedullary fixation v. nonoperative treatment
No. of intramedullary fixations35
Type of intramedullary fixationPrévot pin
Follow-up, mean (range) mo19 (8–26)
Major complication rate, no. (%)
 Bone-healing problem
  Nonunion0
  Delayed union0
  (Symptomatic) malunion0
 Infection, deep0
 Implant breakage/failure/irritation, mechanical failure0
 Refracture after pin removal0
Minor complication rate, no. (%)
 Implant breakage/failure/irritation
  Irritation0
  Migration/telescoping0
  (Medial/lateral) protrusion0
 Infection, wound0
 Routine nail removalNA
 Nonroutine nail removalNA
 Neurovascular problem
  Brachial plexus symptoms0
  Regional pain syndrome0
 Intramedullary fixation device shorteningNA

  • NA = not applicable (complication not mentioned in study); RCT = randomized controlled trial.