We compared five classification systems for clavicle fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of each system. Over a two-year period we reviewed all new radiographs of the shoulder region and identified 487 clavicle fractures. Each radiograph was classified using five classification systems. We reviewed all subsequent X-rays and clinical records until the patient was discharged. We assessed each classification system's prognostic value in predicting delayed/non-union. Our data show that 79.3% of clavicle fractures occur in the middle third, 19.3% in the lateral third and 1.4% in the medial third. The overall prevalence of delayed/non-union was 7.3%, with 3.2% requiring operative management and 4.1% developing asymptomatic non-union. The incidence of non-union in the lateral third was 9.6%, but only 0.4% required operative management. Craig's classification had the greatest prognostic value for lateral third fractures, and Robinson's classification had the greatest prognostic value for middle third fractures. Fractures of the clavicle are common injuries but non-union is an uncommon occurrence. Non-union is more common in the lateral third, but we found these to be mostly asymptomatic. Middle third fractures are more likely to require operative fixation. Middle third fractures should be classified according to Robinson's classification system and lateral third fractures according to Craig's classification. We did not assess sufficient medial third fractures for the data to be significant.

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We compared the bulking and tensile strength of the Pennington modified Kessler, Cruciate and the Savage repairs in an ex vivo model. A total of 60 porcine tendons were randomised to three groups, half repaired using a core suture alone and the remainder employing a core and peripheral technique. The tendons were distracted to failure. The force required to produce a 3 mm gap, the ultimate strength, the mode of failure and bulking for each repair were assessed. We found that there was a significant increase in strength without an increase in bulk as the number of strands increased. The Cruciate repair was significantly more likely to fail by suture pullout than the Pennington modified Kessler or Savage repairs. We advise the use of the Savage repair, especially in the thumb, and a Cruciate when a Savage is not possible. The Pennington modified Kessler repair should be reserved for multiple tendon injuries.

BackgroundTensioning of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction grafts affects the clinical outcome of the procedure. As yet, no consensus has been reached regarding the optimum initial tension in an ACL graft. Most surgeons rely on the maximal sustained one-handed pull technique for graft tension. We aim to determine if this technique is reproducible from patient to patient.FindingsWe created a device to simulate ACL reconstruction surgery using Ilizarov components and porcine flexor tendons. Six experienced ACL reconstruction surgeons volunteered to tension porcine grafts using the device to see if they could produce a consistent tension. None of the surgeons involved were able to accurately reproduce graft tension over a series of repeat trials.ConclusionsWe conclude that the maximal sustained one-handed pull technique of ACL graft tensioning is not reproducible from trial to trial. We also conclude that the initial tension placed on an ACL graft varies from surgeon to surgeon.