Plate Fixation Compared with Nonoperative Treatment for Displaced Midshaft Clavicular Fractures: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Conclusions:
For patients with a diaphyseal fracture of the clavicle displaced at least 1 shaft width, plate fixation improves the chances that the bone will heal; however, the rate of patients who need a second operation is considerable. In addition, the procedure does not improve shoulder function or general symptoms, and it does not decrease limitations compared with nonoperative treatment in a sling.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Source: JBJS - January 17, 2017 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Woltz, S., Stegeman, S. A., Krijnen, P., van Dijkman, B. A., van Thiel, T. P. H., Schep, N. W. L., de Rijcke, P. A. R., Frölke, J. P. M., Schipper, I. B., on behalf of the Sleutel Trial Study Group Tags: Shoulder, Trauma Scientific Articles Source Type: research