Recent Treatment Options for the Clavicle Fracture

Oh,  Joo Han; Choi,  Hye Yeun

doi:2012.15.1.43

Clin Shoulder Elb > Volume 15(1); 2012 > Article

Review

Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow 2012;15(1):43-51.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5397/CiSE.2012.15.1.43 Published online June 30, 2012.

Recent Treatment Options for the Clavicle Fracture

Joo Han Oh, Hye Yeun Choi

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Korea. hoho@nate.com

쇄골 골절 치료의 최근 경향

오주한·최혜연

서울대학교 의과대학 정형외과학교실, 분당서울대학교병원 관절센터

Abstract

PURPOSE
We sought to determine the appropriate management modality for clavicle fracture through the review of current literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This article provides an overview of the knowledge regarding clavicular fracture in adults, including epidemiology, classification, surgical indication, current technique, and results. We also addressed recent debates: the range of the surgical indication for mid-clavicular fracture and the introduction of anatomically precontoured plate as a new treatment modality. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: Nonsurgical treatment has been regarded as the first choice in the management of clavicle fractures. Quite recently, mounting evidence has shown that adverse outcomes, after a nonsurgical treatment, such as nonunion and malunion, were more prevalent than previously assumed. Accordingly, the indications for surgical fixation appear to be broadening. However, given that the ideal treatment option remains to be determined, the appropriate treatment of clavicle fractures should be tailored based on careful assessment of individual patient's data and preference.

Key Words: Clavicle fracture; Treatment; Indication; Technique