Management trends of clavicular fractures at a level 1 trauma center: a retrospective chart review

Background:

Controversy remains regarding optimal treatment of clavicular fractures, despite evidence touting lower nonunion rates for operative interventions. Given increasing evidence supporting operative treatment, the goal of this study was to observe trends in operative versus nonoperative treatment over a 15-year period.

Methods:

One thousand and eighty nine patients with any clavicular fracture (AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association 15A to 15AC) between 2004 and 2018 were identified. Patient records were queried for demographic information, injuries to the head or chest, and treatment modality (operative vs. nonoperative). Independent sample t-tests, Fisher exact, or chi-square tests were used for analysis, with P less than 0.05 representing significance.

Results:

Of the 1089 qualified patients, the average age was 47.5 yr and 70.7% were men. Two hundred forty-two patients (20.2%) were managed operatively. Two hundred seventy-one patients (24.8%) had isolated injuries. Operative clavicle management increased from 6.4% of patients in 2004 and 2005 to 31.5% in 2018 (P

Source: Current Orthopaedic Practice - April 30, 2021 Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Original Research Source Type: research