Internal fixation of children's fractures using the Fixclip system.

Abstract

Thirty five fractures were treated using the Fixclip (Corin medical) system of wires and retaining clips. Union occurred in all instances. In the region of the growth plate, the implant enabled small fragments of bone to be captured and the epiphysis to be secured to the metaphysis without transgression of the physis. In the case of metaphyseal and diaphyseal injuries, the Fixclip allowed stabilisation of fractures with minimal disturbance of the fracture site and soft tissues. This combined with the flexibility inherent in the construct encourages secondary healing with the formation of abundant external callus. On four occasions, a wire escaped from the clip although this led to further intervention in only one instance. In each of these cases, a single retaining clip had been used suggesting that at least two clips should be used for each construct.