[Functional and aesthetic results of orthopaedic treatment of midshaft fractures of the clavicle. A 22 years follow-up study].

AIM

To evaluate the functional results of the orthopaedic treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures with a minimum follow-up of 15 years.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 40 patients, mean age 35 years (18-64) with a non-surgically treated clavicle fracture. The mean follow-up was more than 22 years (15-32). The clinical evaluation was performed with the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH), Constant Shoulder Score test (CSS), EVA score, and a subjective assessment of the final result. Fractures were classified according to Neer's criteria. The radiological evaluation was performed with an anteroposterior and 45° cefalic anteroposterior oblique X-Ray.

RESULTS

A mean DASH score 2.17 points (0-20.82), the mean CSS score was 98.2 (79-100), the mean EVA score was 0.42 (0-6), and 100% patients were satisfied, with good or excellent results. The control X-Ray showed 39 healed fractures (97.5%) with a mean shortening of 6.4mm (0-20).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of comminution and/or shortening of 15 mm or more had the worst functional and radiographic results. Despite this, non-surgical treatment showed excellent functional and radiographic results, and a high personal satisfaction.