Aims. Tobacco, in addition to being one of the greatest public health threats facing our world, is believed to have deleterious effects on bone metabolism and especially on bone healing. It has been described in the literature that patients who smoke are approximately twice as likely to develop a nonunion following a non-specific bone fracture. For clavicle fractures, this risk is unclear, as is the impact that such a complication might have on the initial management of these fractures. Methods. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed for conservatively treated displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (via Cochrane Library) were searched from inception to 12 May 2022, with supplementary searches in Open Grey, ClinicalTrials.gov, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, and Google Scholar. The searches were performed without limits for publication date or languages. Results. The meta-analysis included eight studies, 2,285 observations, and 304 events (nonunion). The random effects model predicted a pooled risk ratio (RR) of 3.68 (95% confidence interval 1.87 to 7.23), which can be considered significant (p = 0.003). It indicates that smoking more than triples the risk of nonunion when a fracture is treated conservatively. Conclusion. Smoking confers a RR of 3.68 for developing a nonunion in patients with a displaced middle third clavicle fracture treated conservatively. We know that most patients with pseudarthrosis will have pain and a poor functional outcome. Therefore, patients should be informed of the significantly higher risks of nonunion and offered smoking cessation efforts and counselling. Moreover, surgery should be considered for any patient who smokes with this type of fracture. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(7):801–807

Only a few randomised, controlled studies have compared different non-operative methods of treatment of mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle.

In this prospective, randomised controlled study of 60 participants (mean age 31.6 years; 15 to 75) we compared the broad arm sling with the figure of eight bandage for the treatment of mid-shaft clavicle fractures. Our outcome measures were pain, Constant and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores and radiological union.

The mean visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score on the first day after treatment was significantly higher (VAS 1 6.8; 4 to 9) in the figure of eight bandage group than the broad arm sling group (VAS 1 5.6; 3 to 8, p = 0.034). A mean shortening of 9 mm (3 to 17) was measured in the figure of eight bandage group, versus 7.5 mm (0 to 24) in the broad arm sling group (p = 0.30).

The application of the figure of eight bandage is more difficult than of the broad arm sling, and patients experience more pain during the first day when treated with this option. We suggest the broad arm sling is preferable because of the reduction of early pain and ease of application.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1562–5.

Aims. The primary aim of this study was to establish the cost-effectiveness of the early fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Patients and Methods. A cost analysis was conducted within a randomized controlled trial comparing conservative management (n = 92) versus early plate fixation (n = 86) of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was used to express the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). The Six-Dimension Short-Form Health Survey (SF-6D) score was used as the preference-based health index to calculate the cost per QALY at 12 months after the injury. Results. The mean 12-month SF-6D was 0.9522 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.9355 to 0.9689) following conservative management and 0.9607 (95% CI 0.9447 to 0.9767) following fixation, giving an advantage for fixation of 0.0085, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.46). The mean cost per patient was £1322.69 for conservative management and £5405.32 for early fixation. This gave an ICER of £480 309.41 per QALY. For a threshold of £20 000 per QALY, the benefit of fixation would need to be present for 24 years to be cost-effective compared with conservative treatment. Linear regression analysis identified nonunion as the only factor to adversely influence the SF-6D at 12 months (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Routine plate fixation of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures is not cost-effective. Nonunion following conservative management has an increased morbidity with comparable expense to early fixation. This may suggest that a targeted approach of fixation in patients who are at higher risk of nonunion would be more cost-effective than the routine fixation of all displaced fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:995–1001

The December 2022 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup. 360. looks at: Biceps tenotomy versus soft-tissue tenodesis in females aged 60 years and older with rotator cuff tears; Resistance training combined with corticosteroid injections or tendon needling in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy; Two-year functional outcomes of completely displaced midshaft clavicle fractures in adolescents; Patients who undergo rotator cuff repair can safely return to driving at two weeks postoperatively; Are two plates better than one? A systematic review of dual plating for acute midshaft clavicle fractures; Treatment of acute distal biceps tendon ruptures; Rotator cuff tendinopathy: disability associated with depression rather than pathology severity; Coonrad-Morrey total elbow arthroplasty implications in young patients with post-traumatic sequelae

Aims. Recent studies of nonoperatively treated displaced midshaft clavicular fractures have shown a high incidence of nonunion and unsatisfactory functional outcome. Some studies have shown superior functional results and higher rates of healing following operative treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome in these patients after nonoperative management with those treated with fixation. Patients and Methods. In a multicentre, parallel randomized controlled trial, 146 adult patients with an acute displaced fracture of the midthird of the clavicle were randomized to either nonoperative treatment with a sling (71, 55 men and 16 women with a mean age of 39 years, 18 to 60) or fixation with a pre-contoured plate and locking screws (75, 64 men and 11 women with a mean age of 40 years, 18 to 60). Outcome was assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score, the Constant Score, and radiographical evidence of union. Patients were followed for one year. Results. A total of 60 patients in the nonoperative group and 64 in the operative group completed one-year follow-up. At three months’ follow-up, both the median DASH (1.7 vs 8.3) and median Constant scores (97 vs 90) were significantly better in the operated group (both p = 0.02). After six months and one year, there was no difference in the median DASH or Constant scores. The rate of nonunion was lower in the operative group (2 vs 11 patients, p < 0.02). Nine patients in the nonoperative group underwent surgery for nonunion. The plate was subsequently removed in 16 patients (25%). One patient had a new fracture after removal of the plate and one underwent revision surgery for failure of fixation. Conclusion. Fixation of a displaced midshaft clavicular fracture using a pre-contoured plate and locking screws results in faster functional recovery and a higher rate of union compared with nonoperative management, but the function of the shoulder is equal after six months and at one year. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1385–91

Dual plate constructs have become an increasingly common fixation technique for midshaft clavicle fractures and typically involve the use of mini-fragment plates. The goal of this technique is to reduce plate prominence and implant irritation, as these are common reasons for revision surgery. However, limited biomechanical data exist for these lower-profile constructs. The study aim was to compare dual mini-fragment orthogonal plating to traditional small-fragment clavicle plates for biomechanical non-inferiority and to determine if an optimal plate configuration could be identified, using a cadaveric model. Twenty-four cadaveric clavicles were randomized to one of six groups (n=4 per group), stratified by CT-based bone mineral content (BMC). The six different plating configurations compared were: pre-contoured superior or anterior fixation using a single 3.5-mm LC-DC plate, and four different dual-plating constructs utilizing 2.4-mm and 2.7-mm reconstruction or LC-DC plates. The clavicles were plated and then osteotomized to create an inferior butterfly fracture, which was then fixed with a single interfragmentary screw (OTA 15.2B). Axial, torsional, and bending (anterior and superior surface loading) stiffness were determined for each construct through non-destructive cyclic testing, using an MTS 858 Bionix materials testing system. This was followed by a load-to-failure test in three-point superior-surface bending. Kruskal-Wallace H and Mann-Whitney U were used to test for statistical significance. There were no significant differences in BMC (median 7.9 g, range 4.2-13.8 g) for the six groups (p=1.000). For axial stiffness, the two dual-plate constructs with a superior 2.4-mm and anterior 2.7-mm plate (either reconstruction or LC-DC) were significantly stiffer than the other four constructs (p=0.021). For both superior and anterior bending, the superior 2.4-mm and anterior 2.7-mm plate constructs were significantly stiffer when compared to the 3.5-mm superior plate (p=0.043). In addition, a 3.5-mm plate placed anterior was a stiffer construct than a superior 3.5-mm plate (p=0.043). No significant differences were found in torsional stiffness or load-to-failure between the different constructs. Dual plating using mini-fragment plates is biomechanically superior for fixation of midshaft clavicle fractures when compared to a single superior 3.5-mm plate and has similar biomechanical properties to a 3.5-mm plate placed anteriorly. With the exception of axial stiffness, no significant differences were found when different dual plating constructs were compared to each other. However, placing a 2.4-mm plate superiorly in combination with a 2.7-mm plate anteriorly might be the optimal construct, given the biomechanical superiority over the 3.5-mm plate placed superior

To evaluate if clinical recovery following midshaft clavicle fracture is associated with nonunion and determine if this has superior predictive value compared to estimation at time of injury. A prospective study of all patients (≥16 years) who sustained a displaced midshaft clavicle fracture was performed. We assessed patient demographics, injury factors, functional scores and radiographic predictors with a standardized protocol at six-weeks. Conditional-stepwise regression was used to assess which factors independently predicted nonunion at six-months post-injury determined by CT. The nonunion predictor six-week model (NUP6) was compared against a previously validated model based on factors available at time of injury (NUP0-smoking, comminution and fracture displacement). 200 patients completed follow-up at six months. The nonunion rate was 14% (27/200). Of the functional scores, the QuickDASH had the highest accuracy on receiver-operator-characteristic (ROC) curve analysis with a 39.8 threshold, above which was associated with nonunion (Area Under Curve (AUC) 76.8%, p<0.001). On regression modelling QuickDASH ≥40 (p=0.001), no callus on radiograph (p=0.004) and fracture movement on examination (p=0.001) were significant predictors of nonunion. If none were present the predicted nonunion risk was 3%, found in 40% of the cohort (n=80/200). Conversely if two or more were present, found in 23.5% of the cohort, the predicted nonunion risk was 60%. The NUP6 model appeared to have superior accuracy when compared to the NUP0 model on ROC curve analysis (AUC 87.3% vs 64.8% respectively). Delayed assessment at six-weeks following displaced clavicle fracture enables a more accurate prediction of fracture healing

The aim of this study was to define the long-term outcome following adolescent clavicle fracture. We retrospectively reviewed all adolescent fractures presenting to our region (13–17years) over a 10-year period. Patient reported outcomes were undertaken at a minimum of 4 years post-injury (QuickDASH and EQ-5D) in completely displaced midshaft fractures (Edinburgh 2B, >2cm displacement, n=50) and angulated midshaft fractures (Edinburgh 2A2, >30 degrees angulation, n=32). 677 clavicle fractures were analysed. The median age was 14.8 (IQR 14.0–15.7) and 89% were male. The majority were midshaft (n=606, 89.5%) with either angulation (39.8%) or simple fully displaced (39.1%). Only 3% of midshaft fractures underwent acute fixation (n=18/606), all of which were fully displaced. The incidence of refracture following non-operative management of midshaft fractures was 3.2% (n=19/588), all united with non-operative management. Fracture type, severity of angulation or displacement was not associated with risk of refracture. There was one case of non-union encountered following non-operative management of all displaced midshaft fractures (0.4%, n=1/245). At a mean of 7.6 years following injury, non-operative management of both displaced and angulated fractures had a median QuickDASH was 0.0 (IQR 0.0–2.3), EQ-5D was 1.0 (IQR 1.0–1.0). 97% of angulated fractures and 94% of displaced fractures were satisfied with their final shoulder function. We conclude that Non-operative management of adolescent midshaft clavicle fractures result in excellent functional outcomes with a low rate of complications at long-term follow up. The relative indications for surgical intervention for clavicle fractures in adults do not appear to be applicable to adolescents

Aims. To evaluate if union of clavicle fractures can be predicted at six weeks post-injury by the presence of bridging callus on ultrasound. Methods. Adult patients managed nonoperatively with a displaced mid-shaft clavicle were recruited prospectively. Ultrasound evaluation of the fracture was undertaken to determine if sonographic bridging callus was present. Clinical risk factors at six weeks were used to stratify patients at high risk of nonunion with a combination of Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) ≥ 40, fracture movement on examination, or absence of callus on radiograph. Results. A total of 112 patients completed follow-up at six months with a nonunion incidence of 16.7% (n = 18/112). Sonographic bridging callus was detected in 62.5% (n = 70/112) of the cohort at six weeks post-injury. If present, union occurred in 98.6% of the fractures (n = 69/70). If absent, nonunion developed in 40.5% of cases (n = 17/42). The sensitivity to predict union with sonographic bridging callus at six weeks was 73.4% and the specificity was 94.4%. Regression analysis found that failure to detect sonographic bridging callus at six weeks was associated with older age, female sex, simple fracture pattern, smoking, and greater fracture displacement (Nagelkerke R. 2. = 0.48). Of the cohort, 30.4% (n = 34/112) had absent sonographic bridging callus in addition to one or more of the clinical risk factors at six weeks that predispose to nonunion. If one was present the nonunion rate was 35%, 60% with two, and 100% when combined with all three. Conclusion. Ultrasound combined with clinical risk factors can accurately predict fracture healing at six weeks following a displaced midshaft clavicle fracture. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(2):113–121

Abstract. Objectives. We aimed to evaluate if union of clavicle fractures can be predicted at six weeks post-injury by the presence of bridging callus detected by ultrasound. Methods. Adult patients who sustained a displaced midshaft clavicle were recruited prospectively. We assessed patient demographics, functional scores and radiographic predictors with a standardized protocol at six weeks. Ultrasound evaluation of the fracture site was undertaken to determine if sonographic bridging callus was present. Nonunion was determined by CT scanning at six months post-injury. Clinical features at six weeks were used to stratify patients at high risk of nonunion and a QuickDASH ≥40, fracture movement on examination or absence of callus on radiograph. Results. 112 patients completed follow-up at six months with a nonunion incidence of 17% (n=18/112). Sonographic bridging callus was detected in 62.5% (n=70/112) of the cohort at six weeks post-injury. If present, union occurred in 98.6% of the fractures (n=69/70). If absent, nonunion developed in 40.5% of cases (n=17/42). The sensitivity to predict union with sonographic bridging callus at six weeks was 73.4% and the specificity was 94.4%. Regression analysis found failure to detect sonographic bridging callus at six weeks was associated with nonunion, older age, female sex, and greater overall fracture displacement (Nagelkerke R2=0.60). Of the cohort, 30.4% (n=34/112) had absent sonographic bridging callus at six weeks in combination with one or more of the ‘high risk’ clinical features. If one was present the nonunion rate was 47.1%, increasing to 60% with two risk factors and 100% when combined with all three. Conclusions. Ultrasound can accurately predict fracture healing at six weeks following a displaced midshaft clavicle fracture. When combined with poor clinical recovery this could be used to target patients for early operative intervention. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Aims

The management of mid-shaft clavicle fractures (MSCFs) has evolved over the last three decades. Controversy exists over which specific fracture patterns to treat and when. This review aims to synthesize the literature in order to formulate an appropriate management algorithm for these injuries in both adolescents and adults.

Aims

The aims of this network meta-analysis (NMA) were to examine nonunion rates and functional outcomes following various operative and nonoperative treatments for displaced mid-shaft clavicle fractures.

Aims

It is unclear whether acute plate fixation facilitates earlier return of normal shoulder function following a displaced mid-shaft clavicular fracture compared with nonoperative management when union occurs. The primary aim of this study was to establish whether acute plate fixation was associated with a greater return of normal shoulder function when compared with nonoperative management in patients who unite their fractures. The secondary aim was to investigate whether there were identifiable predictors associated with return of normal shoulder function in patients who achieve union with nonoperative management.

Aims

To compare the functionality of adults with displaced mid-shaft clavicular fractures treated either operatively or nonoperatively and to compare the relative risk of nonunion and reoperation between the two groups.

Introduction

Clavicle fractures accounting for 3–5% of all adult fractures are usually treated non-operatively. There is an increasing trend towards their surgical fixation.

The primary aim of this study was to undertake a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) of acute fixation versus conservative management of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. The secondary aim was to conduct a sensitivity analysis of patient characteristics that may influence a threshold of £20,000 per quality-adjusted life year gained (QALY). A CEA was conducted from a randomised control trial comparing conservative management (n=92) to acute plate fixation (n=86) of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. The incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) was used to express the cost per QALY. The short form 6-dimensional (SF-6D) score was the preference based index to calculate the cost per QALY. The 12-month SF-6D advantage of acute fixation over conservative management was 0.0085 (p=0.464) with a mean cost difference of £4,096.22 and resultant ICER of £481,908.24/QALY. For a threshold of £20,000/QALY the benefit of acute fixation would need to be present for 24.1 years. Linear regression analysis identified nonunion as the only independent factor to influence the SF-6D at 12-months (p<0.001). Conservatively managed fractures that resulted in a nonunion (n=16) had a significantly worse SF-6D compared to acute fixation (0.0723, p=0.001) with comparable healthcare cost at 12-months (£170.12 difference). Modelling the ICER of acute fixation against those complicated by a nonunion proved to be cost effective at £2,352.97/QALY at 12-months. Routine plate fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures is not cost-effective. Patients with nonunion after conservative management have increased morbidity with comparable expense to those undergoing acute fixation which suggests targeting these patients is a more cost-effective strategy

Background:. Displaced midshaft clavicle fractures unite well in children less than 12 years old, owing to their inherent ability to remodel bone. In adolescents, remodeling occurs less and deformity or shortening can result. Recent literature in adults shows improved outcomes of these fractures with operative treatment. It has been suggested that these results may translate to adolescents. Study Objective:. To assess the effectiveness of titanium elastic TEN nails in the treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures in adolescents. Methods:. Adolescent patients (age 12 to 18) with closed displaced midshaft clavicle fractures, sustained between 2008 and 2014, were treated operatively by a single surgeon, who inserted a TEN nail in an unreamed fashion from the sternal end of the clavicle. Post-operatively, patients were immobilised in a sling for 6 weeks. The nail was removed routinely at 12 weeks. All patients were assessed by the surgeon at 24 weeks with regards to the radiological outcome, Constant shoulder score, scar quality and complications. Results:. Thirteen patients, 9 males and 4 females (mean age 14,2 years) were assessed. Eleven patients had complete union by 6 weeks and the remaining two by 12 weeks. The Constant score was graded below 11 for all patients by 12 weeks follow up and all patients were satisfied with their scars after 24 weeks. Two patients developed complications: in one, the nail perforated the posterior cortex of the lateral fragment and the other developed a haematoma. Conclusion:. Operative treatment with a TEN nail is a safe, minimally invasive and reliable treatment method for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures in adolescents resulting in a satisfactory surgical outcome

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of clavicular shortening, measured by three-dimensional computerized tomography (3DCT), on functional outcomes and satisfaction in patients with healed, displaced, midshaft clavicle fractures up to one year following injury. The data used in this study were collected as part of a multicenter, prospective randomized control trial comparing open reduction and plate fixation with nonoperative treatment for displaced midshaft clavicle factures. Patients who were randomized to nonoperative treatment and who had healed by one year were included. Clavicle shortening relative to the uninjured contralateral clavicle was measured on 3DCT. Outcome analysis was conducted at six weeks, three months, six months and one year following injury and included the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Constant and Short Form-12 (SF-12) scores, and patient satisfaction. 48 patients were included. The mean shortening of injured clavicles, relative to the contralateral side, was 11mm (+/− 7.6mm) with a mean proportional shortening of 8percnt;. Proportional shortening did not significantly correlate with the DASH (p>0.42), Constant (p>0.32) or SF-12 (p>0.08) scores at any time point. There was no significant difference in the mean DASH or Constant scores at any followup time point both when the cut off for shortening was defined as one centimeter (p>0.11) or two centimeters (p>0.35). There was no significant difference in clavicle shortening between satisfied and unsatisfied patients (p>0.49). This study demonstrated no association between shortening and functional outcome or satisfaction in patients with healed, displaced, midshaft clavicle fractures up to one year following injury

Non-union has traditionally been considered a rare complication following the non-operative management of clavicle fractures. Recent studies demonstrate higher rates of non-union in adults with displaced fractures, yet the variables predicting non-union remain unclear. We evaluated the prevalence and risk factors for non-union following displaced midshaft clavicle fractures in a large consecutive series of patients managed non-operatively. 1097 consecutive adults (mean age 26.1yrs) with displaced midshaft clavicle fractures treated non-operatively in our Unit were included. All patients were interviewed, examined and underwent radiological assessment within a week of injury. All patients were managed in a sling for two weeks followed by early mobilization. All patients were followed-up until clinical and radiological confirmation of union. Non-union was defined clinically as pain or mobility of the fracture segments on stressing, and radiologically as failure of cortical bridging by 6 months. 198 (18%) of patients had evidence of non-union at 6 months. Patient factors associated with non-union included increasing age, smoking and the presence of medical comorbidities (p<0.05). Injury-related factors associated with non-union included increasing fragment translation and displacement, and injury pattern (Edinburgh 2B2: comminuted segmental fracture)(p<0.01). We present the largest series reporting prevalence and risk factors for non-union following conservatively treated, displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. These fractures can no longer be viewed as a single clinical entity, but as a spectrum of injuries each requiring individualized assessment and treatment. Increased understanding of the outcomes of these injuries will enable clinicians to better identify those patients that may be better served with primary operative reconstruction

Background. Non-union has traditionally been considered a rare complication following the non-operative management of clavicle fractures. A growing body of evidence has demonstrated higher rates of non-union in adults with displaced fractures. However, the variables that predict non-union in these patients remain unclear. We evaluated the prevalence and risk factors for non-union following displaced midshaft clavicle fractures in a large consecutive series of patients managed non-operatively in our Unit. Materials and Methods. 1097 consecutive adults (mean age 26.1yrs) with displaced midshaft clavicle fractures treated non-operatively in our Unit were included. All patients were interviewed and examined by an orthopaedic trauma surgeon and underwent radiological assessment within a week of injury. All patients were managed in a simple sling for two weeks followed by early mobilization. All patients were followed-up until clinical and radiological confirmation of union. Non-union was defined clinically as the presence of pain or mobility of the fracture segments on stressing, and radiologically as failure of cortical bridging by 6 months. Results. 198 (18%) of patients had evidence of non-union at 6 months. Patient factors significantly associated with non-union included increasing age, smoking and the presence of medical comorbidities (p<0.05). Injury-related factors associated with non-union included Increasing fragment translation and displacement, and a severe pattern of injury (Edinburgh 2B2: comminuted segmental fracture)(p<0.01). Conclusions. We present the largest series reporting the prevalence and risk factors for non-union following conservatively treated, displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. These fractures can no longer be viewed as a single clinical entity, but as a spectrum of injuries each requiring individualized assessment and treatment. Increased understanding of the outcomes of these injuries will enable clinicians to better identify those patients that may be better served with primary operative reconstruction