Level III evidence study
| Characteristic | Chen et al. (17) |
|---|---|
| Design | Retrospective case–control study: intramedullary fixation v. plate fixation |
| No. of intramedullary fixations | 57 |
| Type of intramedullary fixation | Titanium elastic nail |
| Follow-up, mean mo | 24 |
| Major complication rate, no. (%) | |
| Bone-healing problem | |
| Nonunion | 1 (2) |
| Delayed union | 2 (3) |
| (Symptomatic) malunion | 4 (7) |
| Infection, deep | NA |
| Implant breakage/failure/irritation, mechanical failure | 3 (5) |
| Refracture after pin removal | 1 (2) |
| Minor complication rate, no. (%) | |
| Implant breakage/failure/irritation | |
| Irritation | 4 (7) |
| Migration/telescoping | 17 (30) |
| (Medial/lateral) protrusion | NA |
| Infection, wound | 1 (2) |
| Routine nail removal | NA |
| Nonroutine nail removal | NA |
| Neurovascular problem | |
| Brachial plexus symptoms | 1 (2) |
| Regional pain syndrome | 0 |
| Intramedullary fixation device shortening | NA |
NA = not applicable (complication not mentioned in study).