The Analysis of Conservative Treatment in Midshaft Fractures of Clavicle

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Most clavicular fractures can be healed by conservative treatment, although there are many factors that influence healing. The aim of the present study was to analyze factors that influence (i) bone union of midshaft fractures of the clavicle treated conservatively and (ii) bone functioning, after union. The long-term goal was to determine which treatments are adequate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated factors that have an effect on bone union and bone function after union. We evaluated age, fracture site, comminution, displacement, shortening and other factors. Among 523 clavicular midshaft fractures that presented between January 2004 and Jun 2009 at our Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, we identified 270 who had conservative treatment and 173 patients who had surgical treatment. RESULTS: The period required for bone union increased with the degree of displacement. For the group below 12 years of age, and the group without comminution, it took half the time to achieve bone union compared with the other groups. Displacement mostly occurred within 2 weeks after conservative treatment. CONCLUSION: In patients with a comminuted clavicular midshaft fracture, we might, because of expected delays in bone union, delay the start of rehabilitation until patients are more than 13 years old. Because the degree of displacement may be increased within 2 weeks during conservative treatment, we can think about surgical treatments.