SPORTS MEDICINE 

Minerva Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2012 August;63(4):217-27

Copyright © 2012 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Clavicular fractures: a review of the literature

Oliver G. D., Cohen J. A.

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA

Clavicular fractures account for 5-10% of all fractures and over 30% of shoulder injuries. The main goals after a clavicle fracture are to maintain full union and restore the normal clavicle length. Previously, the trend in clavicle fracture management has been non-operative with positive functional outcomes. However, as functional assessment has become more understood, surgical intervention has become more popular. Both operative and non-operative treatments have reported beneficial and positive functional outcomes. The following review will highlight the treatment options available and the literature supporting those treatments. Inevitably, there is not a general standard treatment. The best treatment depends on the individual patient’s goal.