All Things Clavicle: From Acromioclavicular to Sternoclavicular and All Points in Between

The clavicle is the most frequently injured bone in the human body. In most cases, fractures that occur in the midshaft of the clavicle can be managed nonsurgically. An increasing number of studies suggest that displaced midshaft clavicle fractures have improved outcomes after surgical management, and equivalent outcomes can be achieved with both plating and intramedullary techniques. Distal clavicle fractures are managed according to the disruption of the coracoclavicular ligaments. Fractures with disruption of the ligaments usually will require fixation, whereas fractures with intact ligaments may be treated with closed management. Multiple techniques of reconstruction appear to yield similar outcomes; however, hook-plating techniques result in the highest complication rates. The evaluation process for acromioclavicular joint injuries is moving from a static two-dimensional evaluation to a three-dimensional evaluation that involves an assessment for scapular dyskinesis. Surgical reconstruction is indicated for patients who exhibit scapular dyskinesis. Anterior sternoclavicular injuries can typically be managed nonsurgically, whereas posterior sternoclavicular dislocations always require urgent surgical management. Newer techniques of ligament reconstruction for sternoclavicular injuries yield improved biomechanical stability.