Clavicular fracture
Updates to Article Attributes
Clavicular fractures are common and account for 2.6-10% of all fractures 2-3. They usually require minimal treatment, which relies on analgesia and a collar-and-cuff. However, in some cases open reduction and internal fixation is required.
Mechanism
Fractures can occur at any part of the clavicle. However, the vast majority (69-82%) occur in the midshaft, at or near the junction of the middle and outer third. This is due to two factors: firstly this is the thinnest part of the bone, and secondly, it is the only part of the bone not reinforced by attached musculature and ligaments 3.
Typically, fractured clavicles occur as the result of a direct blow to the shoulder. Fall onto the shoulder or onto an outstretched arm can cause this. They are common in very young and very old patients.
Radiographic features
Plain radiograph
While it is not unusual for only a single AP film to be obtained, ideally, as with any trauma situation, two views are better than one. In most trauma situations, orthogonal views of the affected bone or joint are obtained. Since this is not possible with the clavicle, AP and axial views are obtained:
- frontal (AP)
- cephalic tilt (15-45 degree)
In most instances, the fracture is evident clinically and easily identified on radiographs. It is common for clavicle fractures to be displaced due to a combination of the weight of the upper limb pulling the distal fragment down and the sternocleidomastoid pulling the medial fragment upwards.
It is important to note that occult fractures may be present in the apparently normal radiograph; this is relatively common in children and also occasionally seen in adults 2.
Report checklist
Radiology reports should not only include whether or not a fracture is present but also comment on:
- fracture
- location of the fracture along the shaft
- angulation and fracture end displacement (including direction)
- comminution
- degree of overlap (measurement is useful)
- associated findings and relevant negatives
- acromioclavicular joint and sternoclavicular joint alignment
- coracoclavicular distance
- glenohumeral joint
- associated traumatic injuries
- rib fractures
- vertebral fractures
- scapular fractures (floating shoulder)
- pneumothorax
Treatment and prognosis
In cases where the clavicle is thought to be fractured clinically, but where the radiograph is normal, it is advisable to treat patients as if a fracture is present; this is especially the case in children 2.
Traditionally midshaft fracturesfractures of the clavicle have been treated with immobilisation and a sling or figure-of-8 dressing, and in most cases, results are said to be excellent with low non-union rates and minimal functional impairment 3. This has been challenged by some authors, who have found non-union rates of up to 15% and high rates of a suboptimal outcome, e.g. ongoing local pain, brachial plexus irritation, cosmetic deformity 5.
In cases where there is significant displacement, angulation, shortening (>2 cm) or comminution, internal fixation either with plate-and-screw fixation or with a medullary device (e.g. intramedullary titanium elastic nail) have shown to result in a better cosmetic outcome and higher rates of union. Internal fixation is thus probably advisable in such cases and in patients who are at risk of non-union (e.g. elderly) 3-5.
Additionally, cosmetic concerns may be an indication for internal fixation to avoid unsightly deformity.
For unstable distal clavicular fractures, a coracoclavicular screw fixation could be performed 6.
See also
-</ul><h4>Treatment and prognosis</h4><p>In cases where the clavicle is thought to be fractured clinically, but where the radiograph is normal, it is advisable to treat patients as if a fracture is present; this is especially the case in children <sup>2</sup>.</p><p>Traditionally midshaft fractures of the clavicle have been treated with immobilisation and a sling or figure-of-8 dressing, and in most cases results are said to be excellent with low non-union rates and minimal functional impairment <sup>3</sup>. This has been challenged by some authors, who have found non-union rates of up to 15% and high rates of suboptimal outcome, e.g. ongoing local pain, <a href="/articles/brachial-plexus">brachial plexus</a> irritation, cosmetic deformity <sup>5</sup>.</p><p>In cases where there is significant displacement, angulation, shortening (>2 cm) or comminution, internal fixation either with plate-and-screw fixation or with a medullary device (e.g. intramedullary titanium elastic nail) have shown to result in better cosmetic outcome and higher rates of union. Internal fixation is thus probably advisable in such cases and in patients who are at risk of non-union (e.g. elderly) <sup>3-5</sup>.</p><p>Additionally cosmetic concerns may be an indication for internal fixation to avoid unsightly deformity.</p><p>For unstable distal clavicular fractures, a <a href="/articles/coracoclavicular-screw-fixation">coracoclavicular screw fixation</a> could be performed<sup> 6</sup>.</p><h4>See also</h4><ul><li><a href="/articles/upper-extremity-fractures">upper extremity fractures</a></li></ul>- +</ul><h4>Treatment and prognosis</h4><p>In cases where the clavicle is thought to be fractured clinically, but where the radiograph is normal, it is advisable to treat patients as if a fracture is present; this is especially the case in children <sup>2</sup>.</p><p>Traditionally midshaft fractures of the clavicle have been treated with immobilisation and a sling or figure-of-8 dressing, and in most cases, results are said to be excellent with low non-union rates and minimal functional impairment <sup>3</sup>. This has been challenged by some authors, who have found non-union rates of up to 15% and high rates of a suboptimal outcome, e.g. ongoing local pain, <a href="/articles/brachial-plexus">brachial plexus</a> irritation, cosmetic deformity <sup>5</sup>.</p><p>In cases where there is significant displacement, angulation, shortening (>2 cm) or comminution, internal fixation either with plate-and-screw fixation or with a medullary device (e.g. intramedullary titanium elastic nail) have shown to result in a better cosmetic outcome and higher rates of union. Internal fixation is thus probably advisable in such cases and in patients who are at risk of non-union (e.g. elderly) <sup>3-5</sup>.</p><p>Additionally, cosmetic concerns may be an indication for internal fixation to avoid unsightly deformity.</p><p>For unstable distal clavicular fractures, a <a href="/articles/coracoclavicular-screw-fixation">coracoclavicular screw fixation</a> could be performed<sup> 6</sup>.</p><h4>See also</h4><ul><li><a href="/articles/upper-extremity-fractures">upper extremity fractures</a></li></ul>
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.