A technique of osteosynthesis of the clavicle with Hoffmann external
fixation was used to treat twenty patients for selected indications,
including an open fracture, inability of a patient to tolerate prolonged
conservative treatment, or a painful non-union. No vascular or pleural
complication was observed. The average time that the external fixator was
retained was fifty-one days. All of the clavicles united well. Mobility of
the shoulder returned to normal in all patients.