[Shoulder girdle injury in childhood. Operation or conservative procedure?]

The fracture of the clavicle is a very frequent injury to children and young adults. Using a figure-of-eight bandage for treatment leads to good functional result and acceptable cosmetical appearance. Indications for an open reduction are rare: they are confined to brachial plexus lesions, injuries to the subclavian vessels, open fractures or fractures of the outer third of the clavicle combined with an acromioclavicular separation. Fractures of the scapula merely require immobilization and subsequent physiotherapy to yield satisfactory results. Distorsions and subluxations of the joints of the clavicle are to be managed conservatively, too. Only in cases of complete ruptures of the acromioclavicular, coracoclavicular or sternoclavicular ligaments, it is necessary to perform an open reduction and repair of the ligaments.