Fractures and Non-Unions of the Clavicle

Abstract

Fractures of the clavicle are common, accounting for 3–5% of all fractures in adults, most often caused by a simple fall on the outstretched hand or a direct impact on the shoulder. They usually affect active and healthy people during sports activities (bicycle, ski, ball-sports) or road traffi c accidents: these demanding patients are asking for a quick and full recovery. Until now treatment was usually conservative for mid-clavicle fractures (“they all heal and do fine”) whilst surgical treatment was usually preferred for lateral-end fractures. However, many papers in the last decade pointed out long-term defi cits following conservative treatment for clavicle fractures, leading more Surgeons to propose surgical treatment to their patients. So this article will present the recent literature concerning the non-operative treatment of clavicle fractures, the various methods of surgical fi xation and the treatment of mal-unions and non-unions.