Preferences of orthopedic surgeons for treating midshaft clavicle fracture in adults

Abstract

Objective To determine the current clinical practice in Latin America for treating midshaft clavicle fractures, including surgical and non-surgical approaches.Methods A cross-sectional study using a descriptive questionnaire. Shoulder and elbow surgeons from the Brazilian Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery and from the Latin American Society of Shoulder and Elbow were contacted and asked to complete a short questionnaire (SurveyMonkey®) on the management of midshaft fractures of the clavicle. Incomplete or inconsistent answers were excluded.Results The type of radiographic classification preferably used was related to description of fracture morphology, according to 41% of participants. Allman classification ranked second and was used by 24.1% of participants. As to indications for surgical treatment, only the indications with shortening and imminence of skin exposure were statistically significant. Conservative treatment was chosen in cortical contact. Regarding immobilization method, the simple sling was preferred, and treatment lasted from 4 to 6 weeks. Although the result was not statistically significant, the blocked plate was the preferred option in surgical cases.Conclusion The treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures in Latin America is in accordance with the current literature.

Cutaneous paresthesia after internal plate fixation of clavicle fractures and underlying anatomical observations

“…[ 1 , 2 ] Fracture without dislocation and without peripheral tissue damage can be conservatively treated without complications. [ 3 , 4 ] Surgical treatment of clavicle fractures is becoming more widespread, as it relieves pain more quickly and is more precise than conservative treatment methods. [ 5 , 6 ] Levels of functional recovery and satisfaction following surgical treatment of clavicle fracture are much higher than those following other types of surgery.…”