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Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

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01-06-2009 | Trauma Surgery

Shaft fractures of the clavicle: current concepts

Authors: Vinzenz Smekal, Juergen Oberladstaetter, Peter Struve, Dietmar Krappinger

Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Issue 6/2009

Abstract

Fractures of the clavicle are common and have been typically addressed to nonoperative treatment. Favorable results, which predominantly were achieved in the young and adolescents, were supposed to be usual in midshaft clavicular fractures. However, in the presence of comminution or complete displacement, especially when occurring in females or elderly patients, there is a marked risk of nonunion, malunion, and poor outcome. Thus, many authors prefer primary surgical stabilization, when risk factors add up. Plate fixation and intramedullary stabilization seem to be equally favored. Though, indications for operative management remain controversial. Further prospective randomized comparative clinical trials are necessary for a well-founded risk-benefit analysis.

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Title: Shaft fractures of the clavicle: current concepts
Authors: Vinzenz Smekal
Juergen Oberladstaetter
Peter Struve
Dietmar Krappinger
Publication date: 01-06-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery / Issue 6/2009
Print ISSN: 0936-8051
Electronic ISSN: 1434-3916
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-008-0775-7

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Shaft fractures of the clavicle: current concepts

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