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This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview¶

General Principles¶

• Specific treatment of clavicle fractures should be individualized based on fracture characteristics and patient expectations rather than broadly applied [20].
• The most common complications following clavicle fractures, whether treated operatively or non-operatively, are non-unions and malunions [22].

Non-Operative Management¶

• Most patients with clavicle fractures have an excellent outcome using conservative management [5].
• Initial nonsurgical management of clavicle fractures may be reasonable because patients had similar functional outcomes even when surgery was delayed [2].
• Displaced midshaft clavicular fractures with the intent of achieving 'good' outcome must be managed non-operatively [66].
• Close follow-up of nonoperatively treated clavicle fractures is warranted [3].
• If patients with medial clavicle fractures can survive the initial trauma, there is every reason to expect good clinical and functional outcomes, regardless of whether surgical or nonsurgical management is chosen [1].
• Most mid-shaft clavicle fractures can be treated effectively by non-operative means [71].
• Current evidence suggests that the majority of clavicular fractures in adolescents can and should be treated nonoperatively [39].
• Nonoperative treatment of adolescent clavicle fractures demonstrated lower complication rates and similar satisfaction and functional outcomes compared to operative treatment [15].
• Surgery demonstrated no benefit in patient-reported quality of life, satisfaction, shoulder-specific function, or prevention of complications after completely displaced clavicle shaft fractures in adolescents at 2 years after injury [26].

Operative Management¶

• A select group of patients with completely displaced fractures, shortening of 2 cm or more, or specific indications benefit from surgical fixation which has been shown to result in improved outcomes compared with non-operative measures [71].
• Complication rates following surgical clavicle fracture care averaged 8.1% [9].
• Operative treatment of displaced medial clavicle fractures provides an excellent long-term functional outcome [16].
• Clavicle fixation is a safe and effective procedure in the pediatric population with a lack of serious complications [34].
• Operative treatment with plate and screw application has consistently good outcomes with a low complication rate in selected cases of adolescent clavicular fractures [39].
• Excellent functional outcomes continue to be observed several years after clavicle fracture fixation [52].
• No difference in reoperation rates between plate types or location could be detected following open reduction and plate fixation of displaced mid-shaft clavicle fractures [52].
• While most distal clavicle fracture fixation methods can achieve stable union, there is a highly variable complication profile associated with each fixation method [30].
• In the unit described, there is no clearly favoured method of internal fixation of lateral clavicle fractures [53].
• When indicated, operative management of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures with dual-plating is cost-effective compared to single-plating [183].
• Patient selection for surgery may influence functional outcome after midshaft clavicle fracture [166].
• There is an increasing trend toward stabilization and fixation of markedly displaced midshaft clavicle fractures in adolescents due to concerns about symptomatic malunion and poor functional outcomes with nonsurgical management, though definitive indications for fixation in this population remain unclear [160].
• Although ORIF of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures remains controversial in the adolescent population, there may be additional circumstances beyond absolute indications for surgical intervention that warrant ORIF at initial presentation [89].
• The optimal management of type II distal clavicle fractures remains controversial, with many authors advocating surgical intervention due to a nonunion rate that has generally averaged 30% [86].

Special Populations¶

• The authors recommend a more prolonged surveillance period in children with recurrent fractures of the clavicle [12].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology¶

Bony Anatomy¶

• The clavicle is the only long bone to ossify by intramembranous ossification [31].
• The clavicle is one of the first bones to ossify, beginning from two primary ossification centers (medial and lateral) by 5 to 6 weeks of gestation [99].
• By 7 to 8 weeks of gestation, the clavicle has already assumed its overall contour and "S" shape [99].
• The clavicle is one of the last bones to complete ossification [99].
• The lateral epiphysis of the clavicle forms and fuses at around 18 to 19 years of age [99].
• The medial epiphysis is the last in the body to ossify, at the age of 18 to 20 years, and the last to complete ossification, at the age of 23 to 25 years [99].
• Most growth (80%) of the clavicle occurs from the medial physis [99].
• The clavicle is relatively straight when anteriorly viewed, whereas in the transverse plane, it resembles an italic S [101].
• The greater radius of curvature occurs at the medial curve of the clavicle, which is anteriorly convex [101].
• The smaller lateral curve of the clavicle is posteriorly convex [101].
• The bone is somewhat rounded in its midsection and medially and relatively flat laterally [101].
• The medial end of the clavicle has a 30% incidence of a rhomboid fossa on its inferior surface where the costoclavicular ligaments insert [101].
• The medial end of the clavicle has a 2.5% incidence of an actual articular surface facing inferiorly toward the first rib [101].
• The middle portion of the clavicle contains the subclavian groove where the subclavius muscle has a fleshy insertion [101].
• The lateral portion of the clavicle has the coracoclavicular process when present [101].
• The conoid ligament attaches to the clavicle at the conoid tubercle [101].
• The trapezoid ligament attaches at the trapezoid line, which lies in an anteroposterior direction just lateral to the conoid tubercle [101].
• The distance from the lateral edge of the clavicle to the medial edge of the conoid tubercle is approximately 45 mm in male and female specimens [101].
• The distance from the lateral edge of the clavicle to the center of the trapezoid tuberosity is approximately 25 mm in male and female specimens [101].
• The primary blood supply to the clavicle is periosteal; there is no nutrient blood supply [31].
• The clavicle is subcutaneous, and its muscular envelope includes the platysma, pectoralis major, deltoid, and some of the strap muscles of the neck [31].
• The clavicle forms a unique S-shaped curve on the axial view [31].
• The distal clavicle is flat in the AP plane [31].

Muscular Anatomy¶

• The pectoralis major muscle originates from the clavicular shaft anteroinferiorly [106].
• The sternocleidomastoid originates superiorly on the medial clavicle [106].
• The pectoralis origin merges with the origin of the anterior deltoid laterally [106].
• The trapezius insertion blends superiorly with the deltoid origin at the lateral margin [106].
• The medial clavicular fragment is elevated by the unopposed pull of the sternocleidomastoid muscle after fracture [106].
• The distal clavicular fragment is held inferiorly by the deltoid and medially by the pectoralis major after fracture [106].
• The undersurface of the clavicle is the insertion site of the subclavius muscle [106].
• The subclavius muscle serves as a soft tissue buffer in the subclavicular space superior to the brachial plexus and subclavian vessels [106].
• The platysma usually envelopes the anterior and superior aspects of the clavicle and runs in the subcutaneous tissues [106].
• The deltoid originates on the anterior portion of the inner surface of the lateral curve of the clavicle [101].
• The pectoralis major originates from the anterior portion of the medial two-thirds of the clavicle [101].
• The sternocleidomastoid largely originates on the posterior portion of the middle third of the clavicle [101].
• The sternohyoid to a small extent originates on the clavicle, just medial to the origin of the sternocleidomastoid [101].
• The trapezius inserts on the posterosuperior surface of the distal end of the clavicle [101].

Ligaments and Joints¶

• The clavicle serves as the primary stabilizer between the axial skeleton (via the sternoclavicular joint) and the appendicular skeleton (via the acromioclavicular joint) [31].
• The coracoclavicular ligaments consist of the conoid (medial) and trapezoid (lateral) components [31].
• The coracoclavicular ligaments are the primary stabilizers to superior (vertical) translation of the distal clavicle [31].
• The Superior Shoulder Suspensory Complex (SSSC) is a bone–soft-tissue ring that provides a stable connection of the glenoid and scapula to the clavicle [31].
• The SSSC is composed of four bony landmarks: distal clavicle, acromion, coracoid process, and glenoid neck [31].
• The SSSC includes the supporting ligamentous complexes of the AC joint and the CC ligaments [31].
• The shoulder is a closed chain mechanism and constitutes the combined function of 4 joints: the sternoclavicular, the acromioclavicular, the scapulothoracic, and the glenohumeral joint [4].
• Two of the four shoulder joints are articulations of the clavicle [4].
• Clavicle malunion affects the whole shoulder girdle [4].

Neurovascular Anatomy¶

• The supraclavicular nerves originate from cervical roots C3 and C4 and exit from a common trunk behind the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle [115].
• There are typically three major branches of the supraclavicular nerves (anterior, middle, and posterior) that cross the clavicle superficially from medial to lateral [115].
• The subclavian vein runs directly below the subclavius muscle and above the first rib [115].
• The subclavian artery and the brachial plexus lie more posteriorly than the subclavian vein, separated from the vein and clavicle by the additional layer of the scalenus anterior muscle medially [115].
• The brachial plexus is closest to the clavicle in its midportion [115].
• In the middle third of the clavicle, the subclavian artery is a mean of 17 mm from the clavicle [115].
• In the middle third of the clavicle, the subclavian vein is a mean of 13 mm from the clavicle [115].
• In the middle third of the clavicle, the subclavian vessels are located at an approximate angle of 60 degrees to the horizontal, posterior-inferior to the clavicle [115].
• Laterally, the subclavian artery is a mean of 63 mm from the clavicle [115].
• Laterally, the subclavian vein is a mean of 76 mm from the clavicle [115].
• The subclavian vessels are closest to the clavicle at the medial end, with the vein directly apposed to the posterior cortex of the medial clavicle in some cases [115].
• The mean distance of the neurovascular bundle from the posterior border of the clavicle is 9.2 mm [83].

Pathophysiology and Mechanism of Injury¶

• A direct blow on the point of the shoulder is the commonest reported mechanism of injury that produces a midshaft fracture of the clavicle [103].
• Most (85%) clavicle fractures occur in the midshaft of the bone where the bone is narrowest and enveloping soft tissue structures are most scarce [103].
• The direction of the initial deforming force, and both gravitational and muscular forces on the clavicle result in the typical deformity seen after fracture [103].
• After a midshaft fracture, the distal fragment is translated inferiorly, anteriorly, and medially (shortened), and rotated anteriorly [103].
• The typical deformity of middle-third fractures is caused by a medial fragment pulled superiorly by the sternocleidomastoid muscle, with the weight of gravity pulling downward on the lateral fragment [31].
• A fall on the shoulder or the outstretched hand may fracture the clavicle [14].
• In a clavicle fracture, the lateral fragment is pulled down by the weight of the arm, while the medial fragment is held up by the sternomastoid muscle [14].
• The most common mechanism of injury in clavicle fractures is a direct blow to the shoulder, whether following a fall or because of direct trauma [63].
• A fall on an outstretched hand can result in a clavicle fracture, though this mechanism was initially thought to be the most common cause [63].
• Clavicle fractures are rarely open, despite being caused by high-energy trauma [63].
• The force of the traumatic impact follows the curve of the clavicle and disperses on reaching the lateral curve in Group I (middle third) fractures [80].
• The proximal and distal segments of the clavicle are mechanically secured by ligamentous structures and muscular attachments, whereas the central segment is relatively free [80].
• In Type II distal clavicle fractures, the outer fragment is pulled downward and forward by the weight of the arm when the patient is erect [80].
• The pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, and latissimus dorsi draw the distal segment downward and medially, thereby causing overriding in Type II distal clavicle fractures [80].
• The scapula might rotate the distal segment as the arm is moved in Type II distal clavicle fractures [80].
• The trapezius muscle attaches to the entire outer two-thirds of the clavicle, whereas the sternocleidomastoid muscle attaches to the medial third, acting to draw the clavicular segment superiorly and posteriorly [80].
• Medialization of a clavicular fracture more than 20 mm is associated with a measurable decrease in functional outcome [31].
• The observed association of glenohumeral internal rotation deficit with operative treatment of mid-shaft clavicle fractures may be related to a tendency toward scapular protraction [11].
• Clavicle fractures do not increase the occurrence of later subacromial pain syndrome, and results do not suggest protraction of the scapula as a major risk factor for the development of subacromial pain syndrome [6].

Classification¶

General Epidemiology and Mechanism¶

• Clavicle fractures have an incidence of 30 per 100,000 and represent 2.6%-4% of all fractures [55].
• Fractures of the clavicle shaft account for 69% of all clavicle fractures [55].
• Lateral clavicle fractures account for 28% of all clavicle fractures [55].
• Medial clavicle fractures account for 3% of all clavicle fractures [55].
• The most common mechanism of injury is a direct blow to the shoulder, whether following a fall or because of direct trauma [63].
• A fall on an outstretched hand can result in a clavicle fracture, a mechanism initially thought to be the most common cause [63].
• The classical injury mechanisms are a simple fall on the shoulder (31%), road traffic accidents (27%), and sports (23%) [55].
• Medial clavicle fractures occur more often as part of a high-energy trauma or trauma with multiple injuries [55].
• Most clavicle fractures result from a fall onto the shoulder or a direct blow, with the majority occurring in males and associated with vehicular trauma, falls, or sporting injuries [8].

Allman Classification¶

• The Allman classification divides the clavicle into thirds [169].
• Type I fractures involve the middle third of the clavicle [63].
• Type II fractures involve the lateral third of the clavicle [63].
• Type III fractures involve the medial third of the clavicle [63].
• Group I fractures, or fractures of the middle third, are the most common fractures seen in adults and children [80].
• Group I fractures occur at the point at which the clavicle changes to a flattened cross section from a prismatic cross section [80].
• Group I fractures account for 80% of clavicle fractures [80].
• Group II fractures account for 12% to 15% of all clavicle fractures [80].

Neer Classification (Distal Clavicle)¶

• The Neer classification separates distal third clavicle fractures into five main types [169].
• Type I distal clavicle fractures are distal to the coracoclavicular ligaments, within 2 cm of the acromioclavicular joint without intra-articular extension, and are minimally displaced [169].
• Type IIA distal clavicle fractures are medial to the conoid ligament, and the proximal fragment is displaced [169].
• Type IIB distal clavicle fractures occur between the conoid and trapezoid ligaments [169].
• Type II distal clavicle fractures are medial to the coracoclavicular ligaments and are usually unstable [63].
• Type II distal clavicle fractures require surgical management [63].
• Type III distal clavicle fractures are intra-articular fractures through the acromioclavicular joint with intact coracoclavicular ligaments [63].
• Type III distal clavicle fractures are usually stable but can result in the development of acromioclavicular joint arthritis [63].
• Type IV distal clavicle fractures involve disruption of the clavicular periosteal sleeve in pediatric patients [63].
• In Type IV distal clavicle fractures, the epiphysis and physis remain with the acromioclavicular joint and displacement occurs at the junction of the metaphysis and physis [63].
• Type V distal clavicle fractures involve a small, inferior cortical bone fragment remaining attached to the coracoclavicular ligaments [63].
• In Type V distal clavicle fractures, the proximal and distal fragments of the clavicle fracture are not connected to the coracoid process [63].
• Type V distal clavicle fractures are rare and generally require surgical intervention for reduction and stabilization [63].
• The modified Neer classification remains the predominantly cited classification system for distal clavicle fractures [104].
• The intra- and interobserver reliability of the modified Neer classification has been demonstrated to be inconsistent [104].
• Inconsistent reliability of the modified Neer classification can lead to incorrect treatment choices and misclassifications in research [104].

Craig Classification¶

• The Craig classification was introduced in 1990 based on variable fracture patterns within the three broad groups of Allman’s classification [80].
• In Craig Group II Type I fractures, the ligaments remain intact to hold the fragments together and prevent rotation, tilting, or significant fracture displacement [80].
• Craig Group II Type I fractures are interligamentous fractures occurring between the conoid and trapezoid or between the coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular ligaments [80].
• Craig Group II Type I fractures are the most common by a ratio of 4:1 [80].
• In Craig Group II Type II fractures, the coracoclavicular ligaments are detached from the medial segment [80].
• In Craig Group II Type IIA fractures, both the conoid and trapezoid ligaments are on the distal fragment [80].
• In Craig Group II Type IIB fractures, the conoid ligament is ruptured while the trapezoid ligament remains attached to the distal segment [80].
• There is no functional difference between Craig Group II Type IIA and Type IIB fractures [80].
• The high rate of nonunion in Craig Group II Type II fractures may be secondary to excessive motion at the fracture site [80].
• Craig Group II Type III fractures involve the articular surface of the acromioclavicular joint alone [80].
• Craig Group II Type III fractures are characterized by a break in the articular surface without a ligamentous injury [80].
• Craig Group II Type IV fractures occur in children with ligaments intact to the periosteum and displacement of the proximal fragment [80].
• Craig Group II Type V fractures are comminuted, with ligaments attached neither proximally nor distally, but to an inferior, comminuted fragment [80].
• The Craig classification best predicted nonunion or delayed union of lateral third clavicle fractures [63].

Robinson/Edinburgh Classification¶

• The Edinburgh classification was proposed in 1998, dividing clavicular fractures by anatomic location into type I (medial third), type II (middle third), and type III (lateral third) [63].
• In the Edinburgh classification, Subgroup A indicates displacement less than 100% and subgroup B indicates displacement more than 100% [63].
• In the Edinburgh classification, Subgroup 1 indicates no articular involvement and subgroup 2 indicates intra-articular extension of the fracture [63].
• In the Edinburgh classification, Type II fractures are subdivided into subgroup 1 (simple or wedge-type fractures) and subgroup 2 (comminuted or segmented fractures) [63].
• The Robinson classification had the best prognostic potential for middle third clavicle fractures [63].
• The Edinburgh classification has the highest correlation with prognosis for the middle-third fractures of the clavicle [41].

Pediatric Lateral Clavicle Classification¶

• The most widely used classification scheme for injuries involving the lateral end of the clavicle and acromioclavicular joint in children is based on a similar classification for adults [60].
• In children, displacement of the lateral clavicle occurs through the periosteal sleeve rather than through the coracoclavicular ligaments [60].
• Most injuries to the lateral end of the clavicle in the immature skeleton are fractures involving the metaphyseal or physeal regions (Salter-Harris type I or II fractures) [60].
• The lateral epiphysis of the clavicle does not ossify until the age of 18 or 19 years [60].
• Pediatric lateral clavicle injuries are classified into six types [60].
• Type I pediatric lateral clavicle injuries are caused by low-energy trauma, with mild strain of the acromioclavicular ligaments and no disruption of the periosteal tube [60].
• In Type II pediatric lateral clavicle injuries, the acromioclavicular ligaments are completely disrupted, with partial damage to the superolateral aspect of the periosteal sleeve [60].
• Type II pediatric lateral clavicle injuries result in mild instability of the lateral end of the clavicle [60].
• In Type III pediatric lateral clavicle injuries, complete disruption of the acromioclavicular ligaments occurs in addition to greater disruption of the periosteal sleeve [60].
• Type III pediatric lateral clavicle injuries result in gross instability of the distal end of the clavicle [60].
• In Type III pediatric lateral clavicle injuries, superior displacement of the lateral clavicle is seen on AP radiographs, with the coracoid–clavicle interval increased by 25% to 100% compared to the uninjured contralateral side [60].
• In Type IV pediatric lateral clavicle injuries, the soft tissue disruption is similar to that in type III injuries, but the lateral clavicle displaces posteriorly and can pierce the trapezius muscle and/or fascia [60].
• In Type V pediatric lateral clavicle injuries, the superior aspect of the periosteal sleeve is completely disrupted, resulting in displacement of the distal clavicle through the trapezial fascia into the subcutaneous tissues [60].
• In Type V pediatric lateral clavicle injuries, the deltoid and trapezius muscles may be detached from the clavicle [60].
• In Type V pediatric lateral clavicle injuries, the coracoid-clavicle interval is increased by 100% or more compared to that of the contralateral side [60].
• Type VI pediatric lateral clavicle injuries are rare and occur when the distal clavicle displaces inferiorly, with the distal end displaced inferior to the coracoid process [60].

New Classification Systems¶

• A new simple classification system for lateral clavicle fractures showed substantial inter- and intraobserver reliability [100].
• A new classification system for distal clavicle fractures demonstrated moderate interobserver and substantial intraobserver reliability [107].
• The interrater agreement of the modified Neer classification system for lateral clavicle fractures was fair [120].
• Additional 3D CT did not improve the overall level of interrater or intrarater agreement of the modified Neer classification system or associated treatment choice [120].

Clinical Presentation¶

Mechanism and Epidemiology¶

• Most clavicle fractures result from a fall onto the shoulder or a direct blow [8].
• Clavicle fractures typically occur because of a direct blow to the shoulder, often in the setting of a fall [21].
• Clavicle fractures most commonly affect young, active, working individuals, with most occurring in male individuals younger than 30 years [21].
• The majority of clavicle fractures occur in males and are associated with vehicular trauma, falls, or sporting injuries [8].
• Clavicle fractures account for 2.6 to 4% of all fractures in adults [21].
• Clavicle fractures account for 3.8% of all fractures and 35.0% to 45.0% of all shoulder girdle injuries [31].
• Midshaft fractures make up approximately 80% of all clavicle fractures [21].
• Approximately 15% of clavicular fractures are distal third, 80% are middle third, and 5% are medial third [31].
• In adolescents, contact sport is the most common mechanism of injury for lateral-end clavicle fractures, followed by cycling, falls, road traffic accidents, and direct blows [24].
• Adolescent clavicle fractures occurred more commonly in male patients during sports, secondary to a direct blow to the shoulder, and on the nondominant side [121].
• Bilateral clavicle fractures are extremely rare and associated with polytrauma [45].

Physical Examination and Deformity¶

• When displacement occurs in clavicle fractures, the medial fragment typically displaces posterosuperiorly because of the pull of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and the lateral fragment typically displaces inferomedially because of the pull of the pectoralis major and the weight of the arm [21].
• The displacement pattern described above often results in what is described as a “Z” deformity [21].
• A fall on the shoulder or the outstretched hand may fracture the clavicle; the lateral fragment is pulled down by the weight of the arm, while the medial fragment is held up by the sternomastoid muscle [14].
• The fracture is often displaced, producing a lump along the ‘collar-bone’ [14].
• Fractures of the outer third are easily mistaken for acromioclavicular injuries [14].
• A distal neurovascular examination is important because of the proximity of the brachial plexus and the subclavian vessels to the zone of injury [31].
• Tenting of the skin should be evaluated carefully because it can be a sign of impending open fracture [31].
• Clinicians must carefully examine patients with isolated clavicle fractures for concomitant injuries to the ipsilateral shoulder girdle, particularly in the context of compression mechanisms [37].

Imaging¶

• Upright and supine radiographs, including an AP view of the clavicle and a 15° cephalad tilt view, should be obtained to define displacement when the patient is upright [31].
• A bilateral panoramic view of both shoulders should be obtained to measure clavicular shortening [31].
• CT is the most accurate modality for determining fracture shortening and morphology but is not typically obtained [31].
• X-rays show that the fracture is usually in the middle third of the bone and the lateral fragment lies below the medial [14].
• Outer-third injuries need special views to define any fracture [14].
• Lateral clavicle fractures can be well visualized with AP radiographs using the Zanca view, which helps delineate the fracture by removing the overlap of the thoracic cage [156].
• For medial clavicle fractures, CT scanning is the procedure of choice [156].
• Fractures of the medial clavicle, especially those involving the SC joint, are notoriously difficult to accurately assess with plain radiographs [164].
• CT scanning is the radiographic procedure of choice when the anatomy of a medial clavicle fracture is unclear [164].
• CT scanning can help distinguish between a medial epiphyseal fracture and true SC dislocations [164].
• Fractures of the medial end of the clavicle can be difficult to diagnose on plain X-ray due to the superimposed cervical and thoracic spine [131].

Classification¶

• The Allman classification defines fractures of the proximal (medial), middle (midshaft), and distal (lateral) thirds of the clavicle [31].
• Neer classified lateral-third fractures based on the integrity of the CC ligament complex and the involvement of the AC joint [31].
• Medial third fractures are classified according to the displacement and involvement of the SC joint [31].
• The Robinson classification divides the clavicle into thirds and adds variables that are of proven diagnostic value, including intra-articular extension, displacement, and comminution [164].
• The AO/OTA Fracture and Dislocation Classification Compendium designates the clavicle as segment 15 and divides it into medial metaphyseal, diaphyseal, and lateral metaphyseal fractures [164].

Complications¶

• Vascular and neurological complications are rare in clavicle fractures [14].
• Although rare, limb or life-threatening neurovascular complications from clavicle surgery have potentially devastating implications for young, active patients who typically undergo surgical management of these fractures [17].
• Despite deformity, damage to the lung or vessels beneath the clavicle is very rare [14].
• Clavicle nonunions in adolescents are rare, occurring mostly in older males with displaced fractures and prior ipsilateral fractures [81].

Investigations¶

Imaging Protocols and Views¶

• Simple anteroposterior (AP) radiographs are usually sufficient to establish the diagnosis of a clavicle fracture [61].
• The diagnosis may also be made from a single AP chest radiograph, which may be the only available film in an urgent trauma setting [61].
• A chest radiograph can be used to evaluate the deformity of the involved clavicle relative to the normal side and to look for associated skeletal injuries such as rib, glenoid, and scapular fractures [61].
• A measurement of length can be made on the chest radiograph comparing the injured to the uninjured side [61].
• Shortening of 2 cm or more represents a relative indication for primary fixation [61].
• To best delineate a clavicular fracture, a radiograph should be taken in the upright position where gravity will demonstrate maximal deformity [61].
• Ideally, the radiographic beam for the AP radiograph of the clavicle should be angled 20 degrees superiorly to eliminate the overlap of the thoracic cage and show the clavicle in profile [61].
• If the torso is internally rotated a similar 20 degrees, the scapula and shoulder girdle are placed parallel to the cassette for a true AP film [61].
• An upright chest radiograph should be obtained to evaluate midshaft clavicle fracture displacement, as it represents the physiologic stress across the fracture when considering nonoperative management [196].

Advanced Imaging and Measurement Limitations¶

• CT scanning of midshaft clavicular fractures is rarely performed in the clinical setting [61].
• CT can demonstrate the complex three-dimensional deformity that affects the shoulder girdle with these injuries, including significant scapular angulation and protraction [61].
• CT is useful for evaluating fractures of the medial third of the clavicle and the remainder of the shoulder girdle, such as the glenoid neck in cases of a “floating shoulder” [61].
• CT is the most accurate modality for determining fracture shortening and morphology but not typically obtained [31].
• When clavicle shortening is considered in the decision to pursue operative management, the use of plain radiograph-based measurements is not recommended [200].
• Standard plain unilateral radiographs of the clavicle are insufficient to reliably determine the degree of shortening of clavicle fractures and the need for surgery among shoulder/sports medicine fellowship–trained orthopaedic surgeons [202].

Clinical Examination¶

Follow-up and Prognostic Imaging¶

• Delayed assessment at 6 weeks following displaced midshaft clavicle fracture enables an accurate prediction of patients who are likely to have union with nonoperative management [48].
• Once clavicle fractures are healed, further radiographic imaging does not provide any notable information [7].
• For patients undergoing ORIF of isolated clavicular fractures, obtaining a postoperative chest radiograph may be an unnecessary practice, especially given their low sensitivity [208].

Treatment¶

Non-Operative Management¶

• Nonsurgical management has been the preferred initial mode of treatment for most clavicle fractures [49].
• Historically, most clavicle fractures have been managed nonoperatively [47].
• In a study year, 8.6% of clavicle fractures were managed by primary surgery, with the highest prevalence in OTA type B diaphyseal fractures at 10.4% [47].
• The majority of operatively treated clavicle fractures in a Swedish study were OTA type B diaphyseal fractures [47].
• Accurate closed reduction is neither possible nor essential for undisplaced middle-third fractures [14].
• For undisplaced middle-third fractures, supporting the arm in a sling until pain subsides (usually 1–3 weeks) is the primary requirement [14].
• Active shoulder exercises should be encouraged after pain subsides in patients treated with a sling, particularly in older patients [14].
• Comparative studies have shown no advantage of the figure-of-eight bandage over a simple sling for nonoperative management [47].
• A simple sling causes less discomfort and fewer complications than a figure-of-eight bandage [47].
• The figure-of-eight bandage is associated with higher pain scores compared to a simple sling [47].
• There is no difference in the amount of clavicular shortening between patients treated with a sling versus a figure-of-eight bandage [47].
• A sling is usually maintained for 2 weeks before physical therapy is started in nonoperative management [47].
• Nondisplaced clavicle fractures continue to be treated conservatively with a simple sling until the fracture is healed according to radiographs and clinical assessment [128].
• Nonoperative care for displaced midshaft fractures typically consists of a standard arm sling for 6 weeks with physical therapy for strengthening once healing is evident [68].
• Radiographic malunion was universal in the non-operative group of a multicenter randomized clinical trial for completely displaced middle third fractures [68].
• The non-union rate was 14% in the non-operative group of a multicenter randomized clinical trial for completely displaced middle third fractures [68].
• Complications, including non-union and symptomatic malunion, were more frequent in the non-operative group compared to the operative group in a multicenter randomized clinical trial [68].
• There is a direct relationship in the non-operative group between increased displacement and worse DASH score [68].
• The management of medial third clavicle fractures is usually nonsurgical, with satisfactory outcomes and low nonunion rates of 4% to 8% [177].
• Treatment for medial third clavicle fractures consists of an arm sling for comfort, with shoulder immobilization for 2 to 6 weeks [177].
• Shoulder range of motion is started as soon as pain subsides or becomes tolerable in medial third clavicle fractures [177].
• Contact sports should be avoided for at least 2 to 3 months to allow complete fracture healing and shoulder rehabilitation in medial third clavicle fractures [177].
• Nondisplaced distal clavicle fractures can be treated with nonoperative management (Neer types I, III, and IV) [78].
• Nondisplaced fractures of the distal end of the clavicle are best treated with a sling [87].
• The earliest return to sports activity for nondisplaced distal clavicle fractures is generally around 2 months after the injury [87].
• Nonsurgical and surgical management provide similar results for distal clavicle fractures [40].
• Nonoperative management of displaced distal clavicle fractures results in higher nonunion rates, but shoulder function remains excellent, and risk of complications and delayed surgery are low [29].
• Nonsurgical treatment should be considered as an option to surgery for fully displaced lateral fractures of the clavicle more often [134].
• Nonoperative management of adolescent mid-shaft clavicle fractures results in excellent functional outcomes at long-term follow-up [18].
• Teenage patients with completely displaced clavicle fractures can expect excellent radiographic and clinical outcomes 5 years post-injury if treated non-operatively [27].
• Comparably excellent outcomes of severe clavicle fractures in adolescent athletes can be achieved with non-operative treatment [110].
• Proportional shortening of 8% is not associated with impaired function or patient dissatisfaction in nonoperatively treated clavicle fractures [47].
• Proportional shortening of 8% did not significantly correlate with the DASH score, Constant score, or SF-12 score at any time during follow-up in nonoperatively treated patients [47].
• There was no correlation between proportional shortening of 8% and patient satisfaction in nonoperatively treated patients [47].

Operative Management¶

• There is a growing trend towards internal fixation of acute clavicular fractures associated with severe displacement, fragmentation or shortening [14].
• Specific contoured locking plates are available for the treatment of displaced middle-third fractures [14].
• An advantage of internal fixation for displaced middle-third fractures is that the patient can mobilize the arm and return to work and independence more quickly [14].
• Outer-third fractures are quite troublesome and may need open reduction and internal fixation [14].
• Current evidence-based indications for surgical fixation of midshaft clavicular fractures include radiographic shortening of greater than or equal to 2 cm [149].
• Current evidence-based indications for surgical fixation of midshaft clavicular fractures include displacement in a caudal/cephalad plane by equal to or greater than 100% or one bone width [149].
• Current evidence-based indications for surgical fixation of midshaft clavicular fractures include significant comminution [149].
• Additional indications for surgical intervention include open fractures, fractures with underlying neurovascular injury, and fractures that result in significant scapular malposition or winging [149].
• Fracture-specific indications for operative treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures include displacement >2 cm [28].
• Fracture-specific indications for operative treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures include shortening >2 cm [28].
• Fracture-specific indications for operative treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures include increasing comminution (>3 fragments) [28].
• Fracture-specific indications for operative treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures include segmental fractures [28].
• Fracture-specific indications for operative treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures include open fractures [28].
• Fracture-specific indications for operative treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures include impending open fractures with soft tissue compromise [28].
• Fracture-specific indications for operative treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures include obvious clinical deformity [28].
• Fracture-specific indications for operative treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures include scapular malposition and winging on initial examination [28].
• Associated injuries that are indications for operative treatment include vascular injury requiring repair [28].
• Associated injuries that are indications for operative treatment include progressive neurologic deficit [28].
• Associated injuries that are indications for operative treatment include ipsilateral upper extremity injuries/fractures [28].
• Associated injuries that are indications for operative treatment include multiple ipsilateral upper rib fractures [28].
• Associated injuries that are indications for operative treatment include "floating shoulder" [28].
• Associated injuries that are indications for operative treatment include bilateral clavicle fractures [28].
• Patient factors that are indications for operative treatment include polytrauma with requirement for early upper extremity weight-bearing/arm use [28].
• Patient factors that are indications for operative treatment include patient motivation for rapid return of function (e.g., elite sports or the self-employed professional) [28].
• Operative repair should be reserved for medically well, physically active patients who stand to benefit the most from a rapid restoration of normal anatomy and stable fixation [28].
• Most mid-shaft clavicle fractures can be treated effectively by non-operative means, but a select group of patients with completely displaced fractures, shortening of 2 cm or more, or specific indications benefit from surgical fixation [71].
• Surgical fixation has been shown to result in improved outcomes compared with non-operative measures for a select group of patients with completely displaced fractures or shortening of 2 cm or more [71].
• For healthy, active adults, midshaft clavicular fractures should undergo consideration for surgical stabilization if significantly displaced (2 cm of shortening, 100% displacement or significant comminution) [67].
• The use of a pre-contoured plate facilitates surgical care of clavicular fractures, reducing hardware prominence and secondary surgical procedures [67].
• Dual plating may be used as an adjuvant in highly comminuted cases [67].
• Dual plating with 2.4- or 2.7-mm plates may additionally have a benefit of decreased hardware prominence [67].
• Parameters for the management of distal and medial clavicle fractures remain unclear and should be assessed on a case-by-case basis [67].
• Fracture displacement and the development of nonunion may not, in isolation, affect outcome especially in the elderly for distal and medial clavicle fractures [67].
• Floating shoulder injuries should be carefully assessed on the basis of component injuries individually because surgical management has not been shown to result in improved clinical outcomes [67].
• Multiple meta-analyses of existing randomized trials have favored surgical management because it provides significantly lower rates of nonunion, malunion, and complications excluding planned hardware removals [149].
• Earlier functional return compared with nonsurgical management of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures has been identified in multiple meta-analyses [149].
• Fixation of displaced fractures of the clavicle can be accomplished by either open plating or intramedullary pinning [149].
• A meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials demonstrated that intramedullary fixation resulted in fewer complications such as prominent hardware and superficial infection compared to plating [149].
• Constant scores were similar between intramedullary fixation (93.8) and plating (89.3) in a meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials [149].
• Intramedullary fixation has been shown to be inferior to plating in terms of rotational control and axial rigidity [149].
• Intramedullary fixation may not be the best choice in comminuted fracture patterns requiring increased rotatory control and axial stability [149].
• There is a higher rate of removal of intramedullary pins or nails compared to plates [149].
• A 2013 cadaver study has shown no significant difference in distance from screw tips to neurovascular structures between anterior-inferior plating and superior plating [149].
• Hardware prominence has been shown to be no different between anterior-inferior plating and superior plating [149].
• A study reported on revision surgery rates in midshaft clavicular fractures undergoing surgical fixation and found no association between revision surgery and plate position [149].
• The overall rate of revision surgery for hardware irritation in midshaft clavicular fractures undergoing surgical fixation was 17% [149].
• The development of precontoured clavicular plates has resulted in a significant reduction in hardware prominence compared with the prior standard use of straight compression or reconstruction plates [149].
• Precontoured 2.7-mm plates have demonstrated biomechanical superiority to reconstruction plates in both load to failure and bending failure stiffness [149].
• Dual plating of the clavicle, usually superiorly and anteriorly, has shown similar outcomes to single plating [149].
• Biomechanically, dual mini-fragment plating was not significantly different from single superior or anterior plate in terms of axial, bending, torsional stiffness, or bending load to failure in a cadaver study of simulated butterfly fracture [149].
• Dual plating may be useful in cases of complex comminution or fragment containment where a bridging technique is required [149].
• Hardware prominence and secondary surgery for hardware removal has been suggested as a potential benefit of dual plating over single plating [149].
• Operative treatment leads to improved short-term functional outcomes compared with conservative treatment [141].
• Operative treatment leads to increased patient satisfaction compared with conservative treatment [141].
• Operative treatment leads to an earlier return to sports compared with conservative treatment [141].
• Operative treatment leads to lower rates of non-union compared with conservative treatment [141].
• In terms of cost-effectiveness, operative treatment seems to be advantageous compared with conservative treatment [141].
• Operative treatment is associated with an increased risk of complications compared with conservative treatment [141].
• Operative treatment is associated with an increased risk of re-operations compared with conservative treatment [141].
• Long-term shoulder functional outcomes are similar between operative and conservative treatment [141].
• The optimal treatment strategy should be one tailor-made to the patient and his/her specific needs and expectations by utilizing a shared decision-making model [141].
• Specific treatment of clavicle fractures should not be broadly applied but rather should be individualized based on fracture characteristics and patient expectations [20].
• A targeted approach to the management of mid-shaft clavicle fractures is needed, with simple fractures treated nonoperatively and complex displaced fractures considered for surgery to prevent non-union [126].
• The plate is very effective and safe for the management of medial clavicle fractures [112].
• Fractures that are significantly displaced may warrant operative repair, especially if there is posterior displacement of the shaft fragment in medial clavicle fractures [147].
• The primary technical difficulty with medial clavicle fractures is the fixation in the medial fragment [147].
• The subclavian vessels are in close proximity to the bone medially during medial clavicle fracture fixation [147].
• Definitive plate fixation can be performed in a variety of ways for medial clavicle fractures [147].
• If the medial fragment is large enough, standard plate and screw fixation can be performed for medial clavicle fractures [147].
• A plate with an expanded end section may augment multiple screw purchase in medial clavicle fractures [147].
• The significant expansion of the medial clavicle allows for placement of longer (22 to 24 mm) cancellous screws [147].
• If there is insufficient purchase, the plate can be extended across the joint onto the sternum for medial clavicle fractures [147].
• A construct extended across the joint onto the sternum will eventually loosen due to motion at the SC joint but will typically stabilize the fracture long enough (3 months) for union to occur [147].
• The plate should be removed at the point of union when extended across the joint onto the sternum [147].
• Rarely, fixation with a hook plate intrasternally or retrosternally may be required for medial clavicle fractures [147].
• Cardiovascular support should be available in the event of inadvertent injury to the vascular structures found retrosternally when using a hook plate intrasternally or retrosternally [147].
• Fixation of the fracture using smooth wires or pins alone is contraindicated for medial clavicle fractures due to the potential for migration and visceral injury [147].
• Surgical management of medial third clavicle fractures is usually reserved for fractures associated with injury to the mediastinal structures secondary to fracture displacement [177].
• These fractures should be reduced fairly emergently, with an attempt at closed reduction [177].
• Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is sometimes necessary to maintain reduction of an unstable medial third clavicle fracture [177].
• Several techniques have been used for ORIF of displaced medial third clavicle fractures including wire fixation, plate-and-screw constructs, or interosseous sutures [177].
• A recent study published the outcomes following surgical management of medial third clavicle fractures in 27 patients, with 24 acute fractures and 3 nonunions [177].
• Surgical treatment consisted of transosseous sutures in 8 cases, and plate and screws fixation in 19 cases in a study of 27 medial third clavicle fractures [177].
• The authors reported 100% union rate and excellent DASH functional outcome scores in a study of 27 medial third clavicle fractures [177].
• In our unit there is no clearly favoured method of internal fixation of lateral clavicle fractures [53].
• Evidence-based indications for acute surgical intervention in lateral third clavicle fractures are lacking [162].
• Current expert opinion on surgical indications for distal clavicle fractures includes severely displaced fractures, high-demand patients or failure of nonsurgical care [162].
• Most distal clavicle injuries, particularly in middle-aged or elderly populations, should be managed nonsurgically [162].
• Initial nonsurgical management with delayed surgery for patients who develop a symptomatic nonunion appears to be a viable treatment strategy for distal clavicle fractures [162].
• A recent

Complications¶

General and Non-Operative¶

• Vascular and neurological complications are rare [14].
• Damage to the lung or vessels beneath the clavicle is very rare despite deformity [14].
• Non-union sometimes occurs in middle-third fractures and is treated by bone graft and plating [14].
• Malunion is inevitable in displaced fractures; in children, the bone is soon remodelled, but in adults the slight deformity has to be accepted unless there is a very unsightly bump with skin irritation [14].
• Treating displaced middle-third fractures with shortening of more than 2 cm by simple splintage incurs a risk of symptomatic malunion, mainly pain and lack of power during shoulder movements, and an increased incidence of non-union [14].
• The non-union rate was 14% in the non-operative group for completely displaced middle-third fractures [68].
• Complications, including non-union and symptomatic malunion, were more frequent in the non-operative group compared to the operative group for completely displaced middle-third fractures [68].
• Shortening of greater than 2 cm has been reported as a risk factor for nonunion and malunion [152].
• Final shortening of greater than 2 cm was associated with a nonunion rate of 15% and subsequent poor outcomes [152].
• Robinson and colleagues noted a nonunion rate of 21% for fractures with greater than 2 cm of shortening [152].
• Nowak and colleagues reported that 46% of patients with clavicle fractures had residual symptoms, especially those with no bony contact and those with comminuted fractures [152].
• Of 252 clavicle fractures, 31% of patients with completely displaced midshaft fractures had residual symptoms [152].
• The risk factors for nonunion after nonoperative treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures are multifactorial [84].
• Several patients became symptomatic for fractures with a larger proportional change in clavicular length or displacement during long-term conservative treatment [54].
• Close follow-up of nonoperatively treated clavicle fractures is warranted due to the potential for progressive displacement in the peri-injury period [3].

Operative¶

• The overall 30-day complication rate following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for clavicle fractures was 1.9% [57].
• Surgical treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures leads to a slightly higher incidence of complications compared with the nonoperative approach [70].
• Although rare, limb or life-threatening neurovascular complications from clavicle surgery have potentially devastating implications for young, active patients [17].
• The percentage of patients reporting implant irritation was 70% for plate fixation and 66% for intramedullary nail fixation, with no significant difference between the two groups [19].
• Intramedullary fixation was associated with a higher likelihood of implant removal (82%) compared to plate fixation (50%) [19].
• A limited incision approach for plating of acute midshaft clavicle fractures achieved a low complication rate comparable to the reported rate for standard incision techniques [62].
• In the Canadian Orthopaedic Trauma Association study, complications including non-union and symptomatic malunion were more frequent in the non-operative group than the operative group [68].
• The technique of clavicle pinning resulted in minimal complications, short hospital stay and excellent functional outcomes [124].

Associated Injuries and Specific Phenomena¶

• Ipsilateral clavicle fracture and acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury is much more common than traditionally believed, with an incidence of 6.8% overall [175].
• Patients who have sustained high-energy vehicular trauma are more likely to have associated injuries to the thoracic cage, including ipsilateral rib fractures, scapular and/or glenoid fractures, proximal humeral fractures, and hemo/pneumothoraces [50].
• Several studies from Level 1 trauma centers have noted a high mortality rate (20% to 34%) from associated chest and head traumas in polytrauma patients with clavicle fractures [50].
• In-hospital mortality rates for medial clavicle fractures have been reported to be as high as 20%, predominantly due to concomitant intra-cranial and intra-thoracic injuries [13].
• Medial clavicle fractures have a high proportion of patients who will die within 3 years of the injury [35].
• The observed association of glenohumeral internal rotation deficit with a tendency toward scapular protraction may provide insight into this phenomenon after operative treatment of mid-shaft clavicle fractures [11].
• Women reported higher rates of distal clavicle fracture in the postoperative period following acromioclavicular joint reconstruction, with a high fracture rate in the female cohort (90 days, 19.6%) [76].

Recovery¶

General Outcomes and Prognosis¶

• If patients with medial clavicle fractures survive the initial trauma, good clinical and functional outcomes are expected regardless of whether surgical or nonsurgical management is chosen [1].
• Medial clavicle fractures have favorable functional outcomes and pain relief at minimum 1-year follow-up among patients who survive the trauma, but a high proportion will die within 3 years of the injury [35].
• Clavicle fractures do not increase the occurrence of later subacromial pain syndrome, with results suggesting that protraction of the scapula is not a major risk factor for its development [6].
• The prognosis for obtaining bony union after infected clavicle fractures is poor, with only two of six patients achieving union [46].

Non-Operative Management¶

• Close follow-up of nonoperatively treated clavicle fractures is warranted due to displacement related to patient position and progressive displacement in the peri-injury period [3].
• Proportional shortening of 8% in nonoperatively treated displaced midshaft clavicular fractures is not associated with impaired function or patient dissatisfaction [47].
• Significant early improvements in fracture alignment were observed in a substantial percentage of adolescent patients with completely displaced clavicle fractures, indicating that the true final deformity is commonly less than that present at the time of injury [212].
• Clavicle fractures with associated ipsilateral rib fractures tend to demonstrate an increased amount of displacement on follow-up radiographs compared with those without ipsilateral rib fractures [96].
• A sling is suggested to be worn for about 2 weeks followed by a physical therapy regimen for nonoperative management, as comparative studies have shown no advantage of the figure-of-eight bandage over a simple sling [47].
• Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) did not confirm acceleration of clinical healing time of fresh clavicle shaft fractures [210].

Operative Management¶

• Surgical treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures significantly reduces the nonunion rate and shortens the time to union as compared with the nonoperative approach, leading to better shoulder functional scores at short- and long-term follow-up despite a slightly higher incidence of complications [70].
• Surgical treatment led to a greater likelihood of union at 1 year of follow-up among adult patients with displaced mid-third clavicle fractures [213].
• Functional outcome is excellent following the treatment of both acute and non-united clavicle fractures, but recovery occurs earlier following acute treatment [33].
• The improvement in DASH and CSS scores seen with primary fixation of displaced clavicle fractures persists at 2 years but does not differ from values seen after 1 year of followup [138].
• Patients reported a good quality of life and functional outcome after plating for midshaft clavicular fractures [133].
• No difference in reoperation rates between plate types or location could be detected, and excellent functional outcomes continue to be observed several years after clavicle fracture fixation [52].
• A limited incision approach for plating of acute midshaft clavicle fractures achieved good functional and radiographic outcomes with a low complication rate comparable to the reported rate for standard incision techniques [62].
• Carefully indicated adolescent patients undergoing ORIF of clavicle fractures can return to play more quickly than previously thought [91].
• Over the past 5 years, nearly 50% of NFL players with a completely displaced middle-third clavicle fracture were treated successfully with acute surgical fixation without sequela and healed at an average of 8.8 weeks [94].
• Risk factors for nonunions after lateral clavicle fracture fixation include early mechanical stress, a lateral clavicular fragment larger than 3 cm, and time delay to surgery [93].
• The observed association of glenohumeral internal rotation deficit with a tendency toward scapular protraction may provide insight into this subclinical phenomenon after operative treatment of mid-shaft clavicle fractures [11].

Pediatric and Adolescent Specifics¶

Key Evidence¶

• [L5] If patients with medial clavicle fractures can survive the initial trauma, there is every reason to expect good clinical and functional outcomes, regardless of whether surgical or nonsurgical management is chosen. [1] (10.1097/corr.0000000000001916)
• [L3] Initial nonsurgical management of clavicle fractures may be reasonable because patients had similar functional outcomes even when surgery was delayed. [2] (10.5435/jaaos-d-16-00130)
• [L2] Close follow-up of nonoperatively treated clavicle fractures is warranted. [3] (10.1016/j.jse.2018.01.004)
• [L4] [4] (10.3109/17453674.2010.480939)
• [L3] Most patients with clavicle fractures have an excellent outcome using conservative management. [5] (10.1016/j.jse.2019.06.022)
• [L4] The results do not suggest protraction of the scapula as a major risk factor for the development of SAPS. [6] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2024.01.008)
• [L3] Once clavicle fractures are healed, further radiographic imaging does not provide any notable information. [7] (10.5435/jaaos-d-17-00598)
• [L3] Complication rates following surgical clavicle fracture care averaged 8.1%. [9] (10.1186/s12891-022-05075-5)
• [L4] The observed association with a tendency toward scapular protraction may provide insight into this phenomenon. [11] (10.1186/s13018-026-06856-7)
• [L5] The authors recommend a more prolonged surveillance period in children with recurrent fractures of the clavicle. [12] (10.1097/bpb.0000000000000231)
• [Paper] [13] (10.1016/j.injury.2016.06.011)
• [L2] Nonoperative treatment of adolescent clavicle fractures demonstrated lower complication rates and similar satisfaction and functional outcomes compared to operative treatment. [15] (10.1177/2325967119s00428)
• [L4] Operative treatment of displaced medial clavicle fractures provides an excellent long-term functional outcome. [16] (10.1007/s00068-018-1024-6)
• [L5] Although rare, limb or life-threatening neurovascular complications from clavicle surgery have potentially devastating implications for young, active patients who typically undergo surgical management of these fractures. [17] (10.1097/bte.0000000000000097)
• [L3] Nonoperative management of adolescent mid-shaft clavicle fractures results in excellent functional outcomes at long-term follow-up. [18] (10.1302/0301-620x.103b5.bjj-2020-1929.r1)
• [L5] Specific treatment of clavicle fractures should not be broadly applied but rather should be individualized based on fracture characteristics and patient expectations. [20] (10.1016/j.jse.2011.08.053)
• [L1] [21] (10.5435/jaaos-d-23-00472)
• [L4] [24] (10.1177/17585732221131922)
• [L2] Surgery demonstrated no benefit in patient-reported quality of life, satisfaction, shoulder-specific function, or prevention of complications after completely displaced clavicle shaft fractures in adolescents at 2 years after injury. [26] (10.1177/03635465221114420)
• [L2] Teenage patients with completely displaced clavicle fractures can expect excellent radiographic and clinical outcomes 5 years post-injury if treated non-operatively. [27] (10.1177/2325967123s00041)
• [L4] Nonoperative management of displaced distal clavicle fractures results in higher nonunion rates, but shoulder function remains excellent, and risk of complications and delayed surgery are low. [29] (10.1016/j.jse.2023.12.006)
• [L3] While most distal clavicle fracture fixation methods can achieve stable union, there is a highly variable complication profile associated with each fixation method. [30] (10.1016/j.otsr.2019.03.012)
• [L3] Functional outcome is excellent following the treatment of both acute and non-united clavicle fractures, but recovery occurs earlier following acute treatment. [33] (10.1016/j.otsr.2017.03.021)
• [L4] Clavicle fixation is a safe and effective procedure in the pediatric population with a lack of serious complications. [34] (10.1177/2325967119s00056)
• [L4] Medial clavicle fractures have favorable functional outcomes and pain relief at minimum 1-year follow-up among those patients who survive the trauma, but a high proportion will die within 3 years of the injury. [35] (10.1097/corr.0000000000001839)
• [L4] Clinicians must carefully examine patients with isolated clavicle fractures for concomitant injuries to the ipsilateral shoulder girdle, particularly in the context of compression mechanisms. [37] (10.1177/03635465000280062301)
• [L4] Current evidence suggests that the majority of clavicular fractures in adolescents can and should be treated nonoperatively, although operative treatment with plate and screw application has consistently good outcomes with a low complication rate in selected cases. [39] (10.2106/jbjs.22.01036)
• [L4] Nonsurgical and surgical management provide similar results for distal clavicle fractures. [40] (10.5435/00124635-201107000-00002)
• [L3] [41] (10.1016/j.jse.2014.09.037)
• [L4] Bilateral clavicle fractures are extremely rare and associated with polytrauma. [45] (10.1186/s12891-023-06228-w)
• [L4] The prognosis for obtaining bony union after infected clavicle fractures is poor, with only two of six patients achieving union. [46] (10.1097/01.blo.0000183088.60639.05)
• [L1] Delayed assessment at 6 weeks following displaced midshaft clavicle fracture enables an accurate prediction of patients who are likely to have union with nonoperative management. [48] (10.2106/jbjs.19.00955)
• [L4] No difference in reoperation rates between plate types or location could be detected, and excellent functional outcomes continue to be observed several years after clavicle fracture fixation. [52] (10.1016/j.injury.2014.04.032)
• [L4] In our unit there is no clearly favoured method of internal fixation of lateral clavicle fractures. [53] (10.1007/s00590-021-03173-z)
• [L4] Moreover, several patients became symptomatic for fractures with a larger proportional change in clavicular length or displacement. [54] (10.1186/s13018-023-04450-9)
• [L4] [55] (10.1007/s00068-019-01122-4)
• [L4] The overall 30-day complication rate following ORIF for clavicle fractures was 1.9 %, with 128 patients experiencing adverse events out of a cohort of 6753 patients. [57] (10.1016/j.injury.2024.111883)
• [L5] In this large cohort with long-term follow-up, a limited incision approach for plating of acute midshaft clavicle fractures achieved good functional and radiographic outcomes with a low complication rate comparable to the reported rate for standard incision techniques. [62] (10.1016/j.jse.2025.06.002)
• [L3] Displaced midshaft clavicular fractures with the intent of achieving 'good' outcome must be managed non-operatively. [66] (10.1016/j.injury.2020.10.019)
• [L1] Surgical treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures significantly reduces the nonunion rate and shortens the time to union as compared with the nonoperative approach and, despite a slightly higher incidence of complications, leads to better shoulder functional scores at short- and long-term follow-up. [70] (10.1177/0363546519826961)
• [L3] Women reported higher rates of distal clavicle fracture in the postoperative period, and the high fracture rate in the female cohort (90 days, 19.6%) highlights a potentially under-recognized clinical consideration. [76] (10.1002/ars2.70063)
• [Paper] Nondisplaced distal clavicle fractures can be treated with nonoperative management (Neer types I, III, and IV). [78] (10.2106/jbjs.rvw.25.00260)
• [L3] Clavicle nonunions in adolescents are rare, occurring mostly in older males with displaced fractures and prior ipsilateral fractures. [81] (10.1016/j.jse.2017.06.040)
• [L5] [83] (10.1016/s0020-1383(15)30035-8)
• [L3] The risk factors for nonunion after nonoperative treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures are multifactorial. [84] (10.1016/j.otsr.2014.11.018)
• [L5] The optimal management of type II distal clavicle fractures remains controversial, with many authors advocating surgical intervention due to a nonunion rate that has generally averaged 30%. [86] (10.1016/s0278-5919(02)00108-4)
• [Case_report] Although ORIF of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures remains controversial in the adolescent population, there may be additional circumstances beyond absolute indications for surgical intervention that warrant ORIF at initial presentation. [89] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2023.03.004)
• [L3] These data suggest that carefully indicated adolescent patients undergoing ORIF of clavicle fractures can RTP more quickly than previously thought. [91] (10.1177/23259671251374299)
• [L4] Risk factors for nonunions include early mechanical stress, a lateral clavicular fragment larger than 3 cm, and time delay to surgery. [93] (10.1007/s00402-018-3075-x)
• [L4] Over the past 5 years, nearly 50% of NFL players with a completely displaced middle-third clavicle fracture were treated successfully with acute surgical fixation without sequela and healed at an average of 8.8 weeks. [94] (10.1177/0363546510372795)
• [L2] Clavicle fractures with associated ipsilateral rib fractures tend to demonstrate an increased amount of displacement on follow-up radiographs compared with those without ipsilateral rib fractures. [96] (10.1097/bot.0000000000000758)
• [L4] The presented classification system as well as associated treatment algorithms for lateral clavicle fractures showed substantial inter- and intraobserver reliability. [100] (10.1016/j.jse.2025.04.021)
• [L5] The modified Neer classification remains the predominantly cited classification system for distal clavicle fractures, yet its intra- and interobserver reliability has been demonstrated to be inconsistent, which can lead to incorrect treatment choices and misclassifications in research. [104] (10.1097/corr.0000000000001456)
• [L3] The study demonstrated moderate interobserver and substantial intraobserver reliability of the new classification system and the associated treatment choice for distal clavicle fractures. [107] (10.1016/j.otsr.2018.05.015)
• [L2] Comparably excellent outcomes of severe clavicle fractures in adolescent athletes can be achieved with non-operative treatment. [110] (10.1177/2325967121s00214)
• [L5] We conclude that the plate is very effective and safe for the management of medial clavicle fractures. [112] (10.1097/bte.0000000000000006)
• [L3] The interrater agreement of the modified Neer classification system for lateral clavicle fractures was fair, and additional 3D CT did not improve the overall level of interrater or intrarater agreement of the classification system or associated treatment choice. [120] (10.1177/0363546515593949)
• [L4] Adolescent clavicle fractures occurred more commonly in male patients during sports, secondary to a direct blow to the shoulder, and on the nondominant side. [121] (10.1177/2325967120921344)
• [L4] The technique of clavicle pinning resulted in minimal complications, short hospital stay and excellent functional outcomes. [124] (10.4103/0973-6042.57895)
• [L5] A targeted approach to the management of mid-shaft clavicle fractures is needed, with simple fractures treated nonoperatively and complex displaced fractures considered for surgery to prevent non-union. [126] (10.1016/j.injury.2020.11.066)
• [L4] Nondisplaced clavicle fractures continue to be treated conservatively with a simple sling until the fracture is healed according to radiographs and clinical assessment. [128] (10.3810/psm.2011.09.1930)
• [L4] [131] (10.1177/1758573220923122)
• [L3] Patients reported a good quality of life and functional outcome after plating for midshaft clavicular fractures. [133] (10.1016/j.injury.2017.10.032)
• [L3] Nonsurgical treatment should be considered as an option to surgery for fully displaced lateral fractures of the clavicle more often. [134] (10.1016/j.injury.2024.111422)
• [L1] The improvement in DASH and CSS scores seen with primary fixation of displaced clavicle fractures persists at 2 years but does not differ from values seen after 1 year of followup. [138] (10.1007/s11999-011-1915-x)
• [L4] [141] (10.1302/2058-5241.3.170033)
• [Paper] [152] (10.1097/01.bte.0000187285.99726.0e)
• [L5] There is an increasing trend toward stabilization and fixation of markedly displaced midshaft clavicle fractures in adolescents due to concerns about symptomatic malunion and poor functional outcomes with nonsurgical management, though definitive indications for fixation in this population remain unclear. [160] (10.5435/00124635-201301000-00002)
• [L1] This review shows that patient selection for surgery may influence functional outcome after midshaft clavicle fracture. [166] (10.1177/1758573218777996)
• [L5] [169] (10.1007/s10140-018-1586-y)
• [L3] Ipsilateral clavicle fracture and AC joint injury is much more common than traditionally believed, with an incidence of 6.8% overall. [175] (10.1016/j.injury.2016.12.021)
• [L5] When indicated, operative management of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures with dual-plating is cost-effective compared to single-plating. [183] (10.1177/2325967123s00167)
• [L4] An upright chest radiograph should be obtained to evaluate midshaft clavicle fracture displacement, as it represents the physiologic stress across the fracture when considering nonoperative management. [196] (10.1097/bot.0000000000000727)
• [L4] When clavicle shortening is considered in the decision to pursue operative management, the use of plain radiograph-based measurements is not recommended. [200] (10.4055/cios.2016.8.4.367)
• [L3] Standard plain unilateral radiographs of the clavicle are insufficient to reliably determine the degree of shortening of clavicle fractures and the need for surgery among shoulder/sports medicine fellowship–trained orthopaedic surgeons. [202] (10.1177/0363546514523926)
• [L4] Therefore, for patients undergoing ORIF of isolated clavicular fractures obtaining a postoperative chest radiograph may be an unnecessary practice, especially given their low sensitivity. [208] (10.1016/j.jse.2018.09.016)
• [L1] Our findings did not confirm that LIPUS accelerates clinical healing time of fresh clavicle shaft fractures. [210] (10.1016/j.injury.2008.04.004)
• [L3] Significant early improvements in fracture alignment were observed in a substantial percentage of adolescent patients with completely displaced clavicle fractures, indicating that the true final deformity is commonly less than that present at the time of injury. [212] (10.1177/2325967121s00031)
• [L1] Surgical treatment led to a greater likelihood of union at 1 year of follow-up among adult patients with displaced mid-third clavicle fractures. [213] (10.1097/corr.0000000000000986)

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