Operative versus conservative treatment in displaced mid shaft fractures of clavicle: A retrospective comparative study

Abstract

Background: Clavicle fractures are common, with an overall incidence of 36.5 – 64 per 100,000 people every year. Traditionally, midshaft clavicle fractures have been treated nonoperatively. Recently, there has been increasing interest in the operative treatment and plate fixation or intramedullary nailing is often the treatment modality of choice. Numerous clinical studies have been published to compare surgical and conservative treatments. The best treatment for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures remains a topic of debate. So We sought to compare patient-oriented outcome and complication rates following nonoperative treatment and those after operative treatment of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. Objectives: To compare functional outcome and complication rates following nonoperative treatment and those after operative treatment of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. Materials and Methods: 60 patients with a displaced midshaft fracture of the clavicle who were presented to RL Jalappa Hospital from June 2015 to October 2016 and either treated by conservative or operative methods of treatment and who were in regular follow up are selected. Functional assessment was done at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months with use of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Constant scores Complications, if any will be recorded. Results: DASH Scores and Constant scores were significantly better in the operative group compared to the conservative group at all time points. Conclusion: Operative treatment resulted in early return to function compared to conservative treatment but at the cost if complications like infection and other hardware related problems.