A comparative study of functional outcome of clavicular fractures treated by operative and non-operative methods

Author(s): Dr. Channappa TS, Dr. Radhakrishna AM, Dr. Sumanth B and Dr. Shivakumar HB

Abstract: Clavicular fracture is one of the most common injuries of the skeleton, representing 3% to 5% of all fractures and 45% of shoulder injuries. Midshaft fractures have traditionally been treated non-operatively. Prevalence of non-union or mal-union in displaced midshaft clavicular fractures after conservative treatment is higher than previously presumed and fixation methods have evolved. Surgery is accepted as primary treatment for displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. Majority of the cases were due to RTA 29 cases and 11 cases were due to fall. The mean time of fracture healing was shorter in the operative group (15.1 weeks) than non operative group (20 weeks). The difference is statistically highly significant (P<0.001). There was no non union in the operative group and 15% non-union in the non-operative group. A significant difference between the two groups in terms of DASH and Constant Shoulder Scores after the six months follow up was not found. Operative fixation of the clavicle fractures results in improved function, shorter time for union and early return to activity compared with non-operative treatment. Primary operative intervention in clavicle fracture in active adults may be of immense importance.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/ortho.2017.v3.i1h.74