Fractures of the clavicle are very common, accounting for between 2% and 12% of all fractures sustained
and as many as 44% of all shoulder injuries.
1–6 Based on the anatomy of the clavicle, the midshaft region is the most susceptible to fracture, accounting for more than 70% of clavicular fractures.4,7 In the past, clavicle fractures have traditionally been treated nonoperatively due to concerns about infection, hardware prominence, and a potential increase in the risk of nonunion.7 The traditional conservative protocol provides positive results in more than 90% of athletes treated with a figure-8 sling.8–10 However, recent reports11–14 have discussed decreased union rates of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures treated nonoperatively. Closed treatment may lead to significant deficits, whereas surgical management results in an earlier and more reliable return to full function with a
low complication rate.9,14,15
Operative management of clavicular fractures includes