complications

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • mal-union is common -
    • but thought to be more desirable than the internal fixation necessary to prevent it
  • non-union is uncommon -
    • risk factors for non-union of midshaft clavicle fractures include:
      • clavicle shortening > 15–20 mm
      • female sex
      • fracture comminution
      • fracture displacement
      • greater extent of initial trauma
      • older age (1)
    • only consider internal fixation if symptomatic - which patients are rarely
  • deformity:
    • may be distressing especially to parents of children in whom the size of the callus may be quite considerable
    • callus can be removed
  • damage to vessels and nerves:
    • very rare
    • Sir Robert Peel died when he was thrown from his horse, fracturing his clavicle and rupturing a great vessel

Reference: