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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Changes in clavicle length in acute fractures within 3 weeks: a prospective ultrasonographic study of 59 patients

Authors: A. H. Thorsmark, O. M. Christensen, S. Torp-Pedersen, S. Overgaard, L. H. Frich

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Background

Within traumatology a common indication for acute surgery of fractured clavicles is bone shortening over 2 cm. This indication is among but a few indications; which are recommended to be treated operatively within the very first weeks after a fracture. Theoretically clavicle fractures could become less shortened over time due to decreasing muscle pull. If this reduced shortening does indeed happen, some patients with initial bone shortening over 2 cm could perhaps be treated conservatively? However, it is unknown what happens to the length of the clavicle within the first weeks after a fracture. The aim of this study was to investigate if the length of the fresh fractured clavicles changes within the first three weeks.

Methods

Rested length measurements using navigation ultrasound were done on 59 patients with a fractured clavicle. Measurements were performed within the first three weeks after a lateral or mid-clavicular fracture. The inclusion period was from March 2014 to February 2016. Median age was 40 years and age range was 18–81 years. The data was analyzed using mixed linear models.

Results

The clavicle length showed no change within the first three weeks after fracture (p = 0.24).

Conclusion

Fractured clavicles retain their length for the first three weeks.

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Title: Changes in clavicle length in acute fractures within 3 weeks: a prospective ultrasonographic study of 59 patients
Authors: A. H. Thorsmark
O. M. Christensen
S. Torp-Pedersen
S. Overgaard
L. H. Frich
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-017-1842-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Changes in clavicle length in acute fractures within 3 weeks: a prospective ultrasonographic study of 59 patients

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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