Clavicle fracture

Non-displaced clavicle fractures

Non-displaced clavicle fractures generally heal well with non-operative treatment. Healing usually occurs over 6-8 weeks. Recurrence is unlikely once full healing has taken place.

Displaced clavicle fractures

Most displaced clavicle fractures generally heal well, but for higher risk or higher demand patients, surgical management may be indicated. Non-union of a clavicle fracture at 24 weeks is a possible but uncommon occurrence, but displacement of the fracture seems to increase this risk.[70]Robinson CM, Cairns DA. Primary nonoperative treatment of displaced lateral fractures of the clavicle. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2004 Apr;86(4):778-82. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15069143?tool=bestpractice.com ​ Smoking has been associated with an increased risk for symptomatic non-union of displaced midshaft clavicle fracture in patients treated non-operatively.[35]American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Treatment of clavicle fractures. Evidence-based clinical practice guideline. Dec 2022 [internet publication]. https://www.aaos.org/globalassets/quality-and-practice-resources/clavicle-fractures/clavicle-fractures-cpg.pdf [83]Clement ND, Goudie EB, Brooksbank AJ, et al. Smoking status and the Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand score are early predictors of symptomatic nonunion of displaced midshaft fractures of the clavicle. Bone Joint J. 2016 Jan;98-B(1):125-30. https://www.doi.org/10.1302/0301-620X.98B1.36260 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26733525?tool=bestpractice.com ​​