The deceptive nature of clavicle fractures in young patients

A shoulder injury that would cause an acromioclavicular (AC) separation in an adult generally causes a clavicle fracture in a young patient. As illustrated in a case report, the two injuries can look similar on a standard x-ray. Conservative treatment and prognosis for both clavicle fractures and AC separations are similar, but because some AC separations require surgical repair, accurate diagnosis is important. This can be done by obtaining x-rays at one-half of the standard exposure, including AP views with 10 degrees to 15 degrees of cephalic tilt. Spot or cone-down views and comparison views are also helpful.