Current management of midshaft clavicle fractures

Fractures of the clavicle are common, occurring most often in males aged 13 to 20 years. The mechanism of injury is usually a direct blow to the point of the shoulder or a fall onto an outstretched hand. It is most frequently seen in people who participate in sports such as rugby, skiing and cycling. Generally, the fracture occurs in isolation, but it is imperative for the examining clinician to ascertain that there has not been any associated injury involving the sternoclavicular or acromioclavicular joints, first rib fractures or injuries to the lung, pleura or neurovascular structures.