Operative treatment of displaced clavicle fractures: optimising treatment options

Abstract

With an overall incidence of 29 to 64 per 100.000 people a year, clavicle fractures are one of the most common fractures around the shoulder girdle. They account for 2.6% to 4% of all fractures in adults. About 80% of all clavicle fractures are located in the middle third of the clavicle. Although it is an ongoing topic of debate whether a displaced midshaft clavicle fracture (DMCF) should be treated conservatively or operatively, over the last decade, surgical fixation of DMCF’s has been increasing. Open reduction and plate fixation (PF) or intramedullary pin fixation (IMF) are two the most commonly used operative techniques. In this thesis, clinical and biomechanical properties of both operative techniques are reported. The main focus is on the optimal surgical approach for treating DMCF’s and minimizing implant-related irritation.