[Analyses of epidemiology in 363 cases of clavicle fractures]

To analyze the epidemiological features of clavicle fractures.

A total of 363 cases of clavicle fractures were treated from February 1993 to November 2002, their case history data were reviewed and evaluated by epidemiological method.

Out of 363 cases, there were 269 males and 94 females, aged from new born to 96 years. The locations of fractures were on left side in 159 cases and on right side in 204 cases. Neonatal clavicle fracture occurred in the case of delivery (0.28%). The causes of disease for adult clavicle fractures were traffic injury (52.1%) and daily falling injury (31.1%). There were 232 cases of simple fractures and 131 cases of comminuted fractures. The fracture positions included inner (6 cases), middle (328 cases) and outer parts (29 cases). Multi-injuries occurred in 78 cases, the rib fractures concomitant with clavicle fractures were the commonest (31 cases).

The clavicle fractures are the common injury. Of them, traffic injury and daily falling injury are the most common. The rib fractures are always accompanied with clavicle fractures. The main position of fracture is on the middle part.