The Treatment of Clavicular Fractures

The Treatment of Displaced, Midshaft Clavicular Fractures: Operative vs Conservative. A Prospected, Randomized Study

Patients with a displaced, shortened, midshaft clavicular fracture are randomized in two groups: conservative or operative treatment. The conservative arm is treated with a sling for 6 weeks. The operative arm is treated with osteosynthesis, within 2 weeks.

Patients are clinically and radiologically evaluated during 1 year. A economical analysis is also done.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 to 65 year

• 100% displaced midshaft clavicular fracture

• shortening

  • male: 18mm
  • female: 14mm

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy
• pathological fracture
• open fracture
• history of frozen shoulder
• ipsilateral fracture of shoulder or scapula
• neurovascular injury
• contraindication to anaesthesia