title: The functional outcome of the fractured clavicle.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The severity of symptoms, rate and completeness of recovery after closed treatment of the fractured clavicle has not been fully explored.
  
  
  METHODS
  The severity and duration of pain, analgesic requirements, ability to perform daily activities, return to work, driving and sport along with appearance of the shoulder were recorded in 56 patients between 1 and 2 years after fracture. Radiographs were assessed by Robinson's classification [8].
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-two out of 56 patients described functional restriction 1-2 years after injury. The majority of patients ceased to experience pain (34/56) and returned to work (19/46) within 3 months. Thirty-eight out of 56 patients noted cosmetic deformity, the severity of which was associated with worse functional outcome (p = 0.002). The degree of fracture displacement was associated with cosmetic deformity (p = 0.02) and functional outcome (p = 0.015).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The majority of patients perceive a cosmetic deformity and 22/56 impaired function after clavicular fracture.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Department, Avon Orthopaedic Centre, University of Bristol, North Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: Danielle
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.forename: Aisling
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Longworth
authors.forename: Rouin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Amirfeyz
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fox
authors.forename: Gordon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bannister