Operative Management of Displaced Clavicle Fractures

Abstract

Abstract
Clavicle fractures account for approximately 2–5% of adult fractures and up to 45% of all shoulder girdle injuries. The clavicle has numerous functions, including protecting the underlying neurovascular bundle, providing the framework for muscle attachments, connecting the axial and appendicular skeletons, and synchronizing motion between the sternoclavicular and glenohumeral joints. Approximately 80% of clavicle fractures occur in the middle-third area, 12–15% in the distal third, and only 5% in the medial third. The literature shows that unsatisfactory results have beenreported in large series of patients treated non-operatively. Plate fixation has been demonstrated to have a high success rate. A pre-contoured plate anatomically configured to fit the clavicle is much easier to apply, causes less soft-tissue irritation, and can be used as a template to help align comminuted fractures, non-unions, and malunions of the clavicle.

Keywords
Clavicle, acromioclavicular joint, shoulder girdle, scapula, acromioclavicular, floating shoulder, distal type II, coracoclavicular, Acumed,comminuted, non-union, malunion, butterfly fragment, displaced clavicle, pre-contoured

Disclosure: William B Geissler, MD, has received, in any one year, payments or other benefits in excess of $10,000 or a commitment or agreement to provide such benefits from Acumed.
Received: January 19, 2010 Accepted: February 26, 2010 Citation: US Musculoskeletal Review, 2010;5:60–64
Correspondence: William B Geissler, MD, 2500 N State Street, Jackson, MS 39216. E: 3doghill@msn.com

Support: The publication of this article was funded by Acumed. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Acumed.