Review Question - QID 3541

Historically, displaced midshaft clavicle fractures, as seen in Figure A, were managed nonoperatively. Recent literature has demonsrated improved outcomes with operative management of these fractures.

Khan et al review current concepts in the management of clavicle fractures. For displaced midshaft clavice fractures, operative treatment seems to result in improved patient and surgeon-based outcomes, decreased rates of malunion and nonunion, and shorter time to union.

Kim and McKee review recent evidence regarding the management of clavicle fractures. For midshaft clavicle fractures, the incidence of nonunion and symptomatic malunion with nonoperative management is higher than previously believed. They state that risk factors include 100% displacement, comminution, increasing age and female gender.

Incorrect Answers
Answer 1. Recent randomized prospective trials have shown improved short term shoulder function with operative management of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures.
Answer 2. Nonunion rates of 7-15% have been shown with nonoperative management versus 2% with operative fixation
Answer 4. Earlier return to activities has been reported with operative management
Answer 5. As with answer 2, there is a significantly higher rate of nonunion with nonoperative management