[Clavicular fractures : Diagnostics, management and treatment]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Clavicular fractures represent approximately 6% of shoulder girdle injuries.
• Injury peaks occur in the second and eighth decades of life, predominantly in young, active individuals during sports.
• Accurate diagnosis relies on patient history, clinical examination, and radiological imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diagnostic and treatment strategies for clavicular fractures.
• To highlight the indications for conservative versus operative management.
• To emphasize the benefits of surgical stabilization in specific cases.

Main Methods:

• Review of patient history and trauma mechanisms.
• Clinical assessment of shoulder girdle injuries.
• Radiological investigations including X-rays and CT scans.
• Analysis of treatment outcomes for conservative and surgical interventions.

Main Results:

• Non-displaced or minimally displaced clavicular fractures in pediatric and adult populations can be managed conservatively.
• Operative treatment is indicated for displaced fractures with shortening or high functional demands.
• Surgical stabilization offers stable fixation, enables early mobilization, and reduces the risk of non-union.

Conclusions:

• Conservative treatment is suitable for less severe clavicular fractures.
• Operative management of clavicular fractures is increasingly important for achieving stable fixation and preventing non-union.
• Early mobilization and therapy are facilitated by surgical stabilization in indicated cases.