Treatment of Pediatric Mid-shaft Clavicle Fractures: A Prospective, Observational Study

Treatment of Pediatric Mid-shaft Clavicle Fractures: A Prospective, Observational Study

Clavicle fractures in children are common. Typical treatment includes nonoperative treatment with a sling. Operative treatment is usually limited to open, unstable, fractures with either epidermal risks or neurovascular compromise. Orthopaedic literature has many studies that report the need for additional research for this prevalent fracture. This is an observational study evaluating the functional and patient reported outcomes of displaced clavicle fractures in adolescents. The results from this study will help the orthopedist understand the expected outcomes for a given pediatric patient with a clavicle fracture.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 11-17 years old with fractures of the middle third of the clavicle
• Displaced 100% the width of the clavicle or shortened 1 centimeter
• Operative and non-operative treated clavicles will be eligible for enrollment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Open clavicle fractures
• Ipsilateral shoulder injuries
• Fractures involving the lateral ligaments or the sternoclavicular joint
• Bilateral clavicle fractures
• Pathologic fractures
• Refractures
• Fractures with neurovascular compromise
• Displaced fractures with impending skin compromise
• If there has been more than 21 days between injury and enrollment
• Patients with cognitive disabilities that inhibit the completion of the questionnaires