Operative Versus Nonoperative Treatment of Z-Type Clavicle Shaft Fractures in Adolescents: A Retrospective Study.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-23-2025

Publication Title

Children (Basel)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There are differing opinions in the literature regarding the optimal treatment modality for adolescents with completely displaced, complex clavicle fractures. This study aims to determine outcome differences between surgical and non-surgical treatment for adolescent Z-type clavicle fractures and to ascertain if differences exist in outcomes between the two interventions.

METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective chart review performed at a level 1 trauma center. Inclusion criteria included pediatric patients ages 12 to 16 years who presented with a comminuted, displaced clavicle shaft fracture with a comminuted fragment more than 1 cm in length and were treated either operatively or nonoperatively between January 2019 and December 2022. The outcomes were radiographic union status (i.e., union versus non-union versus malunion), follow-up period, shoulder range of motion, return to athletic activities, and patient reported pain level.

RESULTS: Of the 24 patients, 11 were treated surgically and 13 non-surgically. Patients who were treated surgically were more likely to be older (mean 1.5 years,

CONCLUSIONS: The decision between treating these complex fractures operatively versus nonoperatively should be left to a lengthy discussion between the surgeon, parents, and the patient.

Volume

12

Issue

10

First Page

1278

Last Page

1278

DOI

10.3390/children12101278

ISSN

2227-9067

PubMed ID

41153460

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