Team Physician
Nonoperative Versus Operative Treatment of Clavicle Fractures

Athletic Training & Sports Health Care  Vol. 2   No. 1   January/February 2010

By Modern Weng, DO

ABSTRACT

The conventional wisdom for the treatment of clavicle fractures was that almost all do well nonoperatively with a sling or figure-of-eight clavicle splint. However, recent data suggest that the prevalence of nonunion after clavicular fracture is higher than previously reported. There is now evidence that indicates surgical treatment with a plate fixation of completely displaced midshaft clavicle fractures leads to decreased morbidity, higher patient satisfaction, earlier return of function, and better functional outcomes compared with nonoperative treatment. This column summarizes the most recent clinical research in the treatment of clavicle fractures.

AUTHOR

Dr Weng is from the Department of Orthopedics, Kaiser Permanente, Walnut Creek, Calif.

The authors have no financial or proprietary interest in the materials presented herein.

Address correspondence to Modern Weng, Department of Orthopedics, Kaiser Permanente, 1425 South Main Street, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; e-mail: modweng@gmail.com.

doi:10.3928/19425864-20091221-03