Research progress concerning complications related to distal clavicle fracture / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

The clavicle, one of the important structures of the shoulder, plays an important role in maintaining shoulder functions, as it is not only a part of several small joints but also the attachment of multiple ligaments and muscles. Non-displaced distal clavicle fractures are mostly treated conservatively while more and more unstable ones treated surgically because conservative treatment may lead to more complications. The complications following the fractures cannot be ignored no matter the fractures are treated conservatively or surgically. The complications mainly include nonunion, internal implant-related ones, peri-glenohumeral joint ones, and acromioclavicular arthritis. Some of them are related to trauma and some to surgery. If they are not treated properly, shoulder functions may be impaired. This review discusses the researches into the complications of distal clavicle fracture.