An Institutional Standardised Protocol for the Treatment of Acute Displaced Midshaft Clavicle Fractures (ADMCFs): Conservative or Surgical Management for Active Patients?

Background and Objectives: The treatment of acute displaced midshaft clavicle fractures (ADMCFs) is still under debate. The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of our institutional protocol by comparing the clinical and radiographic outcomes of two groups of patients with ADMCFs treated operatively and non-operatively. Materials and Methods: active patients with a traumatic, isolated non-pathological ADMCF with at least 1-year clinical and radiographic follow up were included. Surgical treatment was performed in the cases where the residual displacement was higher than 140% after the application of a figure-of-eight bandage (F8-B). All other cases were treated conservatively with a F8-B. A total of 134 patients were enrolled and divided into two groups: surgical and conservative groups, with 59 and 75 patients, respectively. Radiological and clinical parameters were evaluated. Results: Good clinical (Constant-Murley Score, the Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, and VAS satisfaction) and radiographic outcomes (initial and residual shortening, initial and residual displacement) were obtained for ADMCFs in both groups. Multivariate analysis showed that patients treated conservatively had better clinical outcomes compared to surgically treated patients (p < 0.001). Return to sports was longer in those treated with surgery. Initial shortening was found to impact clinical outcomes as well as initial displacement. None of the patients showed signs of non-union in both groups. Conclusions: Very good mid-term clinical results can be obtained in adult patients with ADMCFs, conservatively or operatively managed, by applying our institutional treatment protocol based on objective radiographic parameters evaluated in the ER.

Automated summary

This study compared the clinical and radiographic outcomes of operative and non-operative treatment for acute displaced midshaft clavicle fractures (ADMCFs), and verified the effectiveness of the institutional treatment protocol. The results showed that conservative treatment had better clinical outcomes, while return to sports was longer in the surgical group. However, both groups achieved good mid-term clinical results without any signs of non-union.