The natural course of lateral clavicle fracture. 15 (11-21) year follow-up of 110 cases.
110 patients with non-operated on fracture of the lateral end of the clavicle were reviewed on an average 15 years after the injury. There were 73 undislocated Neer Type I fractures, 23 dislocated Type II fractures and 14 intraarticular Type III fractures. The patients' age at trauma was 36 (2-71) years. At follow-up 95 shoulders were asymptomatic. 15 shoulders had moderate pain and dysfunction and were rated fair; no patient had severe, residual shoulder disability. There were 10 nonunions, 8 of these asymptomatic. We conclude that fracture of the lateral end of the clavicle does not require operation.
Nordqvist
A
A
Department of Orthopedics, Malmö General Hospital, Lund University, Sweden.
Petersson
C
C
Redlund-Johnell
I
I
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002968:Clavicle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome