Operative Versus Nonoperative Treatment of Acute Displaced Distal Clavicle Fractures: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Conclusion: Although this study failed to demonstrate a difference in functional outcomes between operative and nonoperative treatment of Neer type II distal clavicle fractures, nonoperative management led to more complications including a moderate rate of nonunion, which often required secondary surgery to correct, a higher rate of early dissatisfaction with shoulder appearance, and a delayed return to activities in the first 6 months. Operative management provided a safe and reliable treatment option with few complications, but often required secondary implant removal, especially with hook plate fixation. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Source: Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Original Article Source Type: research