Outcome of Clavicle Fractures Treated by Various Modalities

Introduction: Clavicle fractures account for a significant proportion of shoulder girdle injuries, with varying treatment modalities employed, ranging from conservative management to surgical intervention. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of clavicle fractures treated conservatively versus t...

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Main Authors: M T Ganesh, Haemanath Pandian, Aizel Sherief Palasseril
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Indian Orthopaedic Research Group 2025-06-01
Series:Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports
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Online Access:https://jocr.co.in/wp/2025/06/01/outcome-of-clavicle-fractures-treated-by-various-modalities/
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author M T Ganesh
Haemanath Pandian
Aizel Sherief Palasseril
author_facet M T Ganesh
Haemanath Pandian
Aizel Sherief Palasseril
author_sort M T Ganesh
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: Clavicle fractures account for a significant proportion of shoulder girdle injuries, with varying treatment modalities employed, ranging from conservative management to surgical intervention. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of clavicle fractures treated conservatively versus those treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 94 patients with clavicle fractures treated between 2019 and 2023. Patients were categorized into two groups: those receiving conservative treatment (n = 52) and those undergoing surgical intervention (n = 42), which included intramedullary fixation using titanium elastic nail system (TENS) and plate and screw fixation. Clinical and radiological data were collected, and outcomes were assessed based on union rates, complications, and functional recovery. Results: The average time to solid union was 3 months, with conservative treatment yielding a mean of 4.9 weeks for middle-third fractures and 5.8 weeks for lateral-third fractures. The surgical group showed slightly longer healing times (mean 9.3 weeks for middle-third fractures and 10.2 weeks for lateral-third fractures) but achieved higher union rates, with only 2 cases (4.76%) of non-union in the TENS group. In contrast, the conservative group had a non-union rate of 7.69%, predominantly in lateral-third fractures. Malunion occurred in 85% of conservatively treated cases, yet functional impairments were minimal. Surgical intervention resulted in no reported deformities or significant functional deficits. Conclusions: While conservative treatment is effective for non-displaced fractures, surgical intervention offers significant advantages for displaced fractures, particularly in achieving higher union rates and better functional outcomes. This study reinforces the importance of personalized treatment strategies, emphasizing surgical management in cases of displacement or comminution to minimize complications and improve patient satisfaction.
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spelling doaj-art-a8805e8be3c64f5caecf0df749d8fd152025-08-20T03:22:12ZengIndian Orthopaedic Research GroupJournal of Orthopaedic Case Reports2250-06852321-38172025-06-0115625025610.13107/jocr.2025.v15.i06.5728Outcome of Clavicle Fractures Treated by Various ModalitiesM T GaneshHaemanath PandianAizel Sherief PalasserilIntroduction: Clavicle fractures account for a significant proportion of shoulder girdle injuries, with varying treatment modalities employed, ranging from conservative management to surgical intervention. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of clavicle fractures treated conservatively versus those treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 94 patients with clavicle fractures treated between 2019 and 2023. Patients were categorized into two groups: those receiving conservative treatment (n = 52) and those undergoing surgical intervention (n = 42), which included intramedullary fixation using titanium elastic nail system (TENS) and plate and screw fixation. Clinical and radiological data were collected, and outcomes were assessed based on union rates, complications, and functional recovery. Results: The average time to solid union was 3 months, with conservative treatment yielding a mean of 4.9 weeks for middle-third fractures and 5.8 weeks for lateral-third fractures. The surgical group showed slightly longer healing times (mean 9.3 weeks for middle-third fractures and 10.2 weeks for lateral-third fractures) but achieved higher union rates, with only 2 cases (4.76%) of non-union in the TENS group. In contrast, the conservative group had a non-union rate of 7.69%, predominantly in lateral-third fractures. Malunion occurred in 85% of conservatively treated cases, yet functional impairments were minimal. Surgical intervention resulted in no reported deformities or significant functional deficits. Conclusions: While conservative treatment is effective for non-displaced fractures, surgical intervention offers significant advantages for displaced fractures, particularly in achieving higher union rates and better functional outcomes. This study reinforces the importance of personalized treatment strategies, emphasizing surgical management in cases of displacement or comminution to minimize complications and improve patient satisfaction.https://jocr.co.in/wp/2025/06/01/outcome-of-clavicle-fractures-treated-by-various-modalities/clavicle fracturesconservative treatmentopen reduction internal fixationintramedullary fixationplate and screw fixationtitanium elastic nails
spellingShingle M T Ganesh
Haemanath Pandian
Aizel Sherief Palasseril
Outcome of Clavicle Fractures Treated by Various Modalities
Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports
clavicle fractures
conservative treatment
open reduction internal fixation
intramedullary fixation
plate and screw fixation
titanium elastic nails
title Outcome of Clavicle Fractures Treated by Various Modalities
title_full Outcome of Clavicle Fractures Treated by Various Modalities
title_fullStr Outcome of Clavicle Fractures Treated by Various Modalities
title_full_unstemmed Outcome of Clavicle Fractures Treated by Various Modalities
title_short Outcome of Clavicle Fractures Treated by Various Modalities
title_sort outcome of clavicle fractures treated by various modalities
topic clavicle fractures
conservative treatment
open reduction internal fixation
intramedullary fixation
plate and screw fixation
titanium elastic nails
url https://jocr.co.in/wp/2025/06/01/outcome-of-clavicle-fractures-treated-by-various-modalities/
work_keys_str_mv AT mtganesh outcomeofclaviclefracturestreatedbyvariousmodalities
AT haemanathpandian outcomeofclaviclefracturestreatedbyvariousmodalities
AT aizelsheriefpalasseril outcomeofclaviclefracturestreatedbyvariousmodalities